It, 

, 


THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 

PRESENTED  BY 

PROF.  CHARLES  A.  KOFOID  AND 
MRS.  PRUDENCE  W.  KOFOID 


GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK: 


OR, 


A  DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  DIFFERENT  COUNTRIES,  WITH 

THEIR  SEVERAL  SUB-DIVISIONS  INTO  PROVINCES, 

CANTONS  OR  STATES ;  AS  ALSO,  A  CONCISE 

OUTLINE  OF  THE 


PRINCIPAL  CITIES,  TOWNS  AND  VILLAGES 


OF  EACH,  GIVING  THEIR  KIND  OF  MANUFACTURES, 

POPULATION,  AND  NOTABLE  EVENTS  OF 

HISTORY ; 


WITH  A  COPIOUS  INDEX. 


ADAPTED  AS  AN  AID  TO  THE  STUDENT  OF  HISTORY. 


UY 

ALEX.  HARRIS, 
h 


LANCASTER,  PA.: 

PRINTED    AT    THE    DAILY    EXPRESS    OFFICE 
1862, 


Entered  according  to  the  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1862,  tyjr 

ALEX.  HARRIS,  ESQ., 

In  the  Office  of  the  Clerk  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States,  in  and  for  the 
Eastern  District  of  Pennsylvania. 


PREFACE. 


A  full  Geographical  Hand  Book,  containing  a  clear  description  of  every 
country,  and  adapted  to  the  wants,  and  within  the  means  of  all  classes, 
seems  to  be  a  desideratum  in  our  American  literature.  Being  aware  of  no 
publication  in  the  English  language  which  supplies  this  want,  the  Author 
has,  for  a  considerable  period  of  time,  devoted  his  leisure  hours  to  the  exe- 
cution of  a  work,  designed  to  supply  this  void  in  our  literature.  He  has  en- 
deavored, according  to  the  best  of  his  ability,  to  meet  the  demands  of  the 
time,  and  to  adapt  it  not  only  to  the  use  of  Colleges,  Academies  and  High 
Schools,  but  also  to  make  it  a  work  of  interest  and  reference  for  private 
families,  and  for  persons  engaged  in  business.  The  value  of  history  is  ad- 
mitted, but  to  acquire  a  correct  knowledge  of  history,  it  is  indispensable  to 
know  where  to  find  the  cities,  towns  or  places,  which  on  account  of  the  great 
events  associated  with  them,  are  mentioned  in  history.  Geography  and  his- 
tory are  inseparable.  To  attempt  to  study  history  without  having  constant 
reference  to  Geography,  is  like  essaying  to  read  by  moonlight ;  but  when 
the  light  of  Geography  is  shed  upon  history,  its  pages  become  illumined. 
The  Hand  Book  describes  the  different  countries  and  states,  by  giving  under 
distinctive  heads  their  area,  population,  boundaries,  mountains,  surface,  soil, 
rivers,  lakes,  climate,  products,  animals,  minerals,  form  of  government,  and 
some  of  the  national  characteristics ;  and  in  the  United  States,  the  chief  cu- 
riosities, and  the  manufacturing  and  literary  status  of  the  several  states,  have 
been  added.  European  and  Asiatic  countries  have^been  treated,  by  noting 
their  several  divisions,  or  provinces  into  which  they  are  sub-divided,  and  by 
describing  the  cities  and  important  towns,  under  their  proper  divisions.  As 
far  as  compatible  with  space,  the  association  of  the  different  cities  and  towns 
with  the  great  events  of  history,  and  famed  personages,  has  been  uniformly 
kept  in  view.  The  Author  has  made  it  an  object  to  note  and  describe  the 
historical  and  chief  objects  of  interest  in  all  the  large  cities  of  the  world,  and 
also  to  remark  for  what  each  city  or  town  is  peculiarly  distinguished.  By 
means  of  a  copious  alphabetical  index,  the  reader  or  student  can  at  once 
refer  to  any  country,  province,  city,  town  or  village,  thereby  affording  the 
greatest  facility  for  constant  reference.  With  respect  to  accuracy,  the  geog- 
rapher must  rely  upon  his  authorities ;  and  when  these  are  conflicting,  as  is 


4  PREFACE. 

the  case  in  the  many  instances,  it  becomes  his  duty  to  endeavor  to  recon- 
cile them  by  the  current  of  authority. 

In  the  compilation  of  this  work,  the  authorities  used  have  been  carefully 
collated,  and  it  is  believed  that  the  truth  has  been  approximated  as  near  as 
possible.  Conscious,  however,  that  the  execution  of  the  work  is  not  entirely 
perfect,  the  Author  nevertheless  submits  it,  in  the  hope  that  it  may  prove 
serviceable  to  the  large  class  who;*like  himself,  may  have  felt  the  want  of  a 
book  such  as  he  has  here  attempted  to  supply. 

ALEX.  HARRIS. 


INTRODUCTION. 


GEOGRAPHY,  OR  DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  EARTH. 

We  divide  this  science  with  reference  to  its  objects  into  : 

1.  MATHEMATICAL  or   ASTRONOMICAL  GEOGRAPHY,  which 
explains  the  form,  size  and  motion  of  the  Earth,  and  its  rela- 
tion to  the  Sun,  and  the  whole  solar  system.     This  branch 
of  science  views  the  Earth  as  a  celestial  body. 

2.  PHYSICAL  GEOGRAPHY,  which  describes  mountains,  rivers, 
lakes,  products  and  climate.     This  branch  of  science  gives  a 
general  outline  of  the  whole  world. 

3.  POLITICAL  GEOGRAPHY,  which  teaches  the  regulations 
adopted  for  the  division  of  the  earth  into  empires,  kingdoms 
and  republics,  and  their  different  constitutions.     This  branch 
of  science  regards  the  earth  as  the  abode  of  intelligent  beings. 

FORM  OF  THE  EARTH. 

The  earth  is  nearly  globular  in  form,  but  at  the  poles  it  is 
somewhat  compressed,  arising  from  its  revolution  on  its 
own  axis.  The  globular  form  of  the  earth  is  deduced  from 
the  following  observations : 

1.  The  circumnavigation  of  the  globe.     If  we  set  out  from 
a  certain  point,  and  travel  continuously  eastward,  we  arrive 
eventually  in  the  same  place  whence  we  started,  which  could 
not  be  were  the  form  of  the  earth  not  globular. 

2.  The  eclipses  of  the  moon,  as  the  earth  during  their  con- 
tinuance, casts  a  round  shadow  upon  her. 

3.  That  we  always  first  observe  the  highest  points  of  dis- 
tant objects,  and  as  we  approach  them  we  see  gradually  their 
lower  portions.    This  fact  is  best  exemplified  upon  the  ocean. 

GRAVITATION. 

The  earth  contains  a  central  point,  towards  which  all  ob- 
jects upon  its  surface  are  attracted.  This  attraction  is  called  gra* 


6  INTRODUCTION. 

vitation.  We  go  upon  the  earth  with  the  head  erect,  and  the  feet 
gravitating  towards  the  centre.  All  objects  adhere  to  the  earth, 
from  a  certain  magnetic  influence  which  it  possesses,  of  at- 
tracting and  drawing  all  things  towards  its  centre.  Were 
therefore,  an  opening '  made  through  the  earth,  a  stone 
when  thrown  therein  would  not  reach  the  other  side,  but 
would  continue  falling  back  and  forth,  until  finally  it  would 
stop  in  the  centre. 

As  now  the  earth  in  form  is  globular,  there  are  conse- 
quently regions,  the  inhabitants  of  which  have  their  feet 
opposite  ours.  These  we  call  our  Antipodes. 

SIZE  OF  THE  EARTH. 

The  earth  has  a  diameter  of  about  8,000,  and  a  circumfer- 
ence of  25,000  miles.  Its  area  contains  185,000,000  square 
miles.  If  we  compare  the  earth  with  the  moon,  the  earth  is  fifty 
times  larger,  consequently  fifty  moons  could  be  iormed  from 
the  earth.  But,  when  compared  with  the  sun,  the  earth  is  one 
and  a  half  million  times  smaller,  consequently  one  and  a  half 
million  terrestrial  globes  could  be  formed  from  the  sun. 

AXIS— POLES. 

The  axis  of  the  earth  is  the  imaginary  line  drawn  through 
the  earth,  from  the  North  to  the  South.  The  uttermost  points 
of  this  line,  are  called  Poles :  North  Pole,  South  Pole. 

LINES  OF  THE  EARTH. 

1.  The  Equator  is  an  imaginary  line  drawn  around  the 
centre  of  the  globe,  90°  distant  from  each  of  the  Poles,  divid- 
ing the  earth  into  two  equal  halves — into  the  Northern  and 
the  Southern  hemisphere. 

2.  The  Tropics. — These  are  also  imaginary  lines,  running 
parallel  with  the  Equator,  at  a  distance  of  23|°  North  and 
South  of  it.     The  Northern  is  called  the  Tropic  of  Cancer^ 
and  the  Southern  the  Tropic  of  Capricorn.     They  bear  the 
name  of  tropics,  because  the  sun  when  on  his  apparent  tour, 
reaches  these  lines,  wends  and  alters  his  direction.    The  name 
of  Cancer  originates  from  a  constellation  bearing  this  name, 
which  is  behind  fhe  sun  when  he  stands  over  the  Northern 
tropic.    Properly  speaking,  it  is  the  constellation  of  the  Twins, 
for  the  twelve  signs  of  the  zodiac — (see  Ecliptic  or  orbit  of  the 
sun) — have,  since  they  were  named,  advanced  about  30°,  or 
pne  constellation,  in  advance  of  them.     Care  must,  therefore. 


INTRODUCTION.  7 

be  taken  to  distinguish  between  the  name  and  the  constella- 
tion itself.  Thus  the  constellation  of  the  Goat,  should  pro- 
perly be  termed  the  Archer. 

3.  Polar  Circles. — There  are  also  two  of  these  imaginary 
lines,  which  run  parallel  with  the  above-mentioned  ones — 
the  Northern  23j°  from  the  North  Pole,  and  the  Southern 
the  same  distance  from  the  South  Pole.     We  can  easily  con- 
jecture why  these  lines  are  called  Polar  circles ;  but  why  they 
are  fixed  at  a  certain  distance  from  the  Poles,  is  far  from  being 
so  clear.     When  the  sun  stands  directly  over  the  equator,  his 
rays  reach  to  both  Poles;  but  as  he  recedes  in  his  path  from 
the  equator  towards  the  North,  his  rays   are  withdrawn  from 
the  South  Pole,  over  the  North  Pole,  until  at  length  when  he 
has  reached  the  tropic  of  Cancer,  his  rays  are  removed  23J>° 
from  the  South  Pole,  but  stretch  at-  the  same  time  an  equal 
distance  over  the  North   Pole;  and  the  reverse   is  the  case 
when  he  moves  towards  the  South. 

4.  Meridians. — These  are  lines  drawn  from  one  pole  to  the 
other,  forming  right  angles  with  the  equator.     They  are  so 
called,  because  we  have  noon  when  the  sun  enters  these 
lines.    There  are  an  innumerable  quantity  of  meridians;  each 
spot  upon  the  earth, from  east  to  wetst,  having  a  different  one; 
but  lor  the  purpose  of  making  uniform  calculations,  a  prime 
or  first  meridian,  is  usually  adopted  by  each  nation.     The 
English  have  established,  as  their  prime  meridian,  that  of 
Greenwich;  and  the  people  of  the  United  States.  Washing- 
ton city. 

5.  The  EcHptic^pr  Orbit  of  the  Sun. — We  apply  this  name 
to  the  path  over  which  the  sun  seems  to  perform  his  annual 
tour  in  the  heavens.     It  extends  from  one  tropic  to  the  other, 
around  the  earth,  and  intersects  the  equator  at  an  angle  of 
23  J°.   This  path  is  divided,  from  the  number  of  our  months, 
into  twelve  equal  parts  or  constellations,  which  are  called  the 
signs  of  the  zodiac.     Northward,  are  the  following:    1.  The 
Ram.    2.  The  Bull.    3.  The  Twins.    4.  The  Crab.    5.  The. 
Lion.     6.  The  Virgin.   And  Southward :  7.  The  Scales.     8. 
The  Scorpion.     9.  The  Archer.     10.  The   Goat.     11.  The 
irulcrman.     12.  The  Fishes. 

THE  HORIZON— THE  ZENITH— THE  NADIR. 

There  are  two  horizons,  the  apparent  and  the  real.     When 
we  stand  upon  a  plain,  or  the  ocean,  our  view  is  circum* 


8  JNTBODUCTION. 

scribed  by  a  circle  formed  by  the  apparent  resting  of  the 
heavens  upon  the  earth ;  this  circle  is  called  the  sensible,  or 
visible  horizon,  it  being  the  limit  of  vision.  It  becomes 
greater,  the  higher  we  ascend  upon  the  earth,  and  smaller  the 
lower  we  descend.  The  real  horizon  embraces  on  the  con- 
trary a  whole  hemisphere,  and  the  centre  of  it  is  the  stand- 
point of  the  observer;  from  this  spot  it  extends  in  all  directions 
90°.  When  an  observer  stands  upon  the  equator,  his  horizon 
reaches  from  one  pole  to  the  other,  and  that  of  him  who 
stands  upon  the  pole  extends  to  the  equator.  That  point  of 
the  heavens  directly  over  the  observer,  which  is,  as  it  were, 
the  pole  of  the  horizon,  is  called  the  Zenith  ;  the  opposite 
point,  directly  beneath  the  observer,  in  the  opposite  heavens, 
is  termed  the  Nadir.  Every  point  upon  the  earth  therefore 
has  its  own  horizon,  zenith  and  nadir. 

QUARTERS  OF  THE  EARTH. 

An  innumerable  quantity  of  lines  can  be  drawn  from 
every  point  of  the  earth's  surface  towards  the  horizon,  which 
are  used  to  designate  the  different  quarters  or  regions  of  the 
globe.  There  are  four  of  these,  termed  the  principal  quar- 
ters or'divisions,  viz:  North,  East,  South  and  West.  These 
have  been  again  subdivided  into  smaller  divisions,  and  hence 
originate  the  terms  :  Northeast,  Northwest,  Southeast,  South- 
west. The  compass  contains  32  such  divisions,  or  points,  as 
they  are  termed  in  seaman's  language.  He  who  turns  his 
back  to  the  sun  about  mid-day,  has  the  north  opposite  his 
face,  the  south  behind  his  back,  the  east  on  his  right,  and  the 
west  on  his  left.  The  sun  rises  on  the  20th  of  March  and  the 
23d  of  September,  due  east,  and  sets  due  West. 

LONGITUDE  AND  LATITUDE. 

1.  The  distance  of  -a  place  East  or  West  of  the  prime 
meridian,  is  called  geographical  longitude.     When  the  reck- 
oning   is     continuously     eastward     around    the    globe,   a 
longitude  of  360°  is  obtained  ;  but  when  it  is  made  westward, 
as  well  as  eastward,  an  Eastern  and  a  Western  Longitude 
result  therefrom,  and  each  of  these  180°.     Philadelphia,  for 
example,  lies  about  2°  of  East  Longitude  from  Washington 
City,  and  about  77°  of  West  Longitude  from  Greenwich. 

2.  The  distance  of  a  place,  North  or  South  of  the  equator, 
is  called  its  geographical  latitude.     Northern  Latitude  extends 


INTRODUCTION.  9 

from  the  equator  to  the  north  pole,  and  Southern  Latitude 
from  the  equator  to  the  south  pole,  and  each  of  these  is  90°. 
Philadelphia  is  ahout  40°  North  of  the  equator,  and  we 
usually  say,  therefore,  that  it  lies  in  the  40th  degree  of  North 
Latitude.  Every  degree  contains  60  geographical,  or  69  J  Eng- 
lish miles;  consequently  Philadelphia,  is  situated  about 
2780  miles  from  the  equator.  The  degrees  of  longitude  along 
the  equator,  around  the  middle  of  the  earth,  number  69J 
English  miles  each  ;  they  decrease,  however,  in  length  grad- 
ually, the  further  North  or  South  of  this  line  we  move,  until 
at  the  poles  they  become  zero. 

MOTION  OF  THE  EARTH. 

The  earth  has  a  two-fold  motion : 

1.  Around  its  own  Jlxis,  from  West  to  East,  like  a  wheel 
revolving  on  its  axis.    This  revolution  is  made  in  24  hours,and 
as  the  sun  can  only  illuminate  the  half  -of  the  globe  at  one 
time,  the  alternation  of  day  and  night   is  the  consequence. 
This  causes  the  sun  to  rise    in  the  East,  to  go  forth  in  his 
meridian  splendor  in  the  heavens,  and  afterwards  to  sink  be- 
neath the  western  horizon.     As  a  consequence  of  this  revo- 
lution, it  is  noon  2  hours  earlier  in   St.  Petersburg  than  in 
Edinburgh.     In  different  places,  on  the  contrary,  lying  under 
the  same  meridian,  all  hours  of  the  day  occur  at  one  and  the 
same   time.     Rome,  for  example,  has  morning  and   noon  at 
the  same  time  as  Copenhagen. 

2.  Ground  the  Sun,  accompanied  by  the  moon  at  a  distance 
of  ninety-five  millions  of  miles  from  him.     The  almost  circu- 
lar orbit  of  the  earth,  through  which  it  passes,  is  about   600 
millions  of  miles  long,  and  the  period  of  time  required  in  its 
passage  we  call  a  year.     The  earth  moves  in  its  orbit  through 
a  space  of  nineteen   miles  every  second.     We  are,  however, 
unconscious  of  either  of  these  motions,  owing  to  the  fact  that 
the  circumambient  atmosphere,  in  which   we  live,  moves 
along  with  the  earth.     This   motion  of  the  earth  causes  the 
change  of  the  seasons,  and  the  difference  in  the  length  of  the 
days  and  the  nights,  as  the  earth,  during  this  motion,  at  one 
time  turns   its  centre  to  the  sun ;    but  at  another  time  fhe 
northern,  and  again  the  southern  half,  inclines  towards  him. 
We,  however,  usually  say,  (for  such  he  seems  to  do,)  the  sun 
goes  towards  the  north,  or  towards  the  south,  and  we  will, 
therefore,  in  the  following   description,  confine  ourselves  to 

B* 


10  INTRODUCTION. 

this  mode  of  expression.  The  sun,  in  his  advance  from  the 
south  towards  the  north,  is  on  the  20th  of  March,directly  vertical 
over  the  Equator ;  this  to  us  living  in  the  Northern  Hemis- 
phere, is  the  commencement  of  spring,  but  to  those  who 
dwell  in  the  Southern  Hemisphere,  the  beginning  of  autumn: 
day  and  night  is  then  of  equal  length,  in  all  parts  of  the 
world:  everywhere  12  hours  day,  and  12  night.  As  he 
gradually  nears  us,  his  rays  fall  upon  us  the  less  obliquely, 
and  he  remains  longer  above  the  horizon;  his  rays  likewise 
wax  gradually  warmer,  until  he  reaches  the  Tropic  of  Cancer, 
when  we  have  the  longest  day,  and  the  commencement  of 
Summer.  The  longest  day  at  Philadelphia,  numbers  over 
15  hours,  and  it  increases  in  length  as  we  advance  towards 
the  North  Pole,  where  an  uninterrupted  day  lasts  for  the  space 
of  6  months.  Thereupon,  he  returns  to  the  South,  causing  the 
days  to  decrease,  and  the  nights  to  increase.  He  is  again,  on 
the  23d  of  September,  above  the  Equator,  and  we  have  for 
the  second  time,  days  and  nights  equal,  (equinoxium)  the 
commencement  of  autumn ;  but  the  inhabitants  of  the 
Southern  Hemisphere  now  kail  with  joy  the  appearance  of 
spring.  He  continues  in  his  course  until  he  advances  to  the 
Tropic  of  Capricorn,  when  our  winter  sets  in  and  we  have 
the  shortest  day  and  the  longest  night ;  the  inhabitants  of 
the  Southern  Hemisphere,  on  the  contrary,  have  at  this  time, 
the  commencement  of  their  summer.  What  we  now  lose  in 
the  length  of  the  day,  during  one  half  of  the  year,  whilst  the 
sun  wanders  from  the  Northern  to  the  Southern  Tropic,  we 
gain  in  the  other  half;  and  thus  it  is  in  every  section  of  the 
globe ;  so  that  after  the  expiration  of  the  whole  year,  every- 
where one  half  of  the  time  has  been  day,  and  the  other 
half  night. 

ZONES. 

The  Zones  are  large,  broad,  divisions  of  the  earth's  sur- 
face made  by  the  tropics,  and  polar  circles.  There  are  five 
Zones,  one  Torrid,  two  Temperate,  and  two  Frigid. 

1.  The  Torrid  Zone  embraces  that  division  of  the  earth's 
surface  between  the  tropics.  It  is  so  called,  because  the 
sunbeams,  which  fall  almost  perpendicularly  upon  this  por- 
tion of  the  globe,  cause  great  and  continued  heat.  In  this 
Zone,  only  two  seasons  alternate :  a  dry  season,  during 
which  the  sky  is  clear,  and  a  wet  season,  during  which  time 


INTRODUCTION.  11 

rain  falls  almost  incessantly.  North  of  the  Equator,  it  is  the 
dry  season,  during  our  summer,  but  south  of  it,  the  reverse ; 
the  beginning  and  duration  of  these  seasons,  however,  are 
very  different  in  the  several  countries  of  this  zone,  according 
to  the  quality  of  the  soil,  and  the  localities.  Snow  and  ice 
are  found  alone  upon  the  highest  mountains,  and  the  days 
and  nights  are  always  about  an  equal  length.  The  trade 
winds  blow  continually  in  the  same  direction,  in  these  re- 
gions, viz:  North  of  the  equator,  the  Northeast  Trade  Wind, 
and  South  of  the  equator,  the  Southeast  Trade  Wind ;  and 
these  winds  prove  of  great  service  to  the  mariner.  They 
change  their  direction,  alone  in  the  Indian  Ocean,  every  six 
months,  either  in  a  northeasterly  or  southwesterly  direction. 

2.  The  two  Temperate,  Zones  include  those  parts  of  the 
earth's  surface  between  the  tropics  and  polar  circles.     There 
is,  therefore,  one  northern  Temperate  Zone  and  one  southern 
Temperate.     The  rays  of  the  sun  fall  obliquely  upon  the 
countries  within  the  Temperate  Zones,  on  which  account 
the  heat  is  not  so  great  as  in  the  Torrid.     Here  the  four  sea- 
sons alternate:    Spring,  Summer,  Autumn,  and  Winter;  yet 
so  that  in  the  northern  Temperate  Zone  it  is  Spring,  whilst 
it  is  Autumn  in  the  southern,  and  the  contrary. 

3.  The  two  Frigid  Zones. — The  Northern  and  the  South- 
ern Frigid,  embrace  those  portions  of  the  earth  between  the 
polar  circles  and  the  poles.     The  rays  of  the  sun  fall  very 
obliquely  within  these  regions,  and  hence  the  great  rigidity  of 
the  climate;    long  winters  and  short  summers,  but  of  spring 
and  autumn,  very  little  is  perceptible.     The  short  summers 
are  warm,  and  often  oppressively  hot,  arising  irom  the  iact 
that  the  sun  is  continuously  above  the  horizon,  and  his  rays 
constantly  developing  an  increasing  heat. 

CHANGES  OF  THE  MOON. 

We  observe  the  moon,  at  one  time  dark,  then  partly,  and 
afterwards  fully  illuminated.  What  gives  rise  to  this  change 
in  the  moon's  aspect?  When  the  moon,  in  her  revolution 
around  the  earth,  comes  between  the  sun  arid  the  earth,  we 
are  unable  to  see  her  illuminated  side,  because  it  is  turned 
towards  the  sun.  But  as  she  moves  aside  from  this  position, 
the  rays  of  the  sun  fall  gradually  upon  that  half  which  turns 
towards  the  earth,  until,  at  length,  when  she  is  behind  the 
earth,  we  see  her  full  disc  luminous.  Henceforth  the  moon 


12  INTRODUCTION. 

in  her  progress  wanes  quite  as  regularly  as  she  increased, 
until  she  becomes  again  entirely  dark.  The  different  changes 
in  the  moon's  phases  are  termed:  New  Moon,  First  Quar- 
ter, Full  Moon,  and  Last  Quarter.  This  revolution  of  the 
moon  is  completed  in  29 J  days,  whence,  there  is  only  an 
interval  of  about  seven' days  from  New  Moon  until  the  First 
Quarter,  &c.  From  these  changes  the  division  of  time  into 
weeks  and  months  originated. 

ECLIPSES  OF  THE  MOON. 

An  Eclipse  of  the  Moon  is  caused  by  the  earth's  intercept- 
ing the  rays  of  the  sun,  which  would  otherwise  fall  upon  and 
render  her  brilliant.  As  this  can  only  occur  when  the  earth 
intervenes  between  the  sun  and  moon,  a  lunar  eclipse,  as  a 
consequence,  can  only  take  place  at  the  full  moon. 

ECLIPSES  OF  THE  SUN. 

An  eclipse  of  the  sun  ought,  properly  speaking,  to  be 
termed  an  eclipse  of  the  earth,  as  the  sun  does  not  lose  its 
illumination,  but  the  earth  does.  The  moon,  the  producing 
cause  of  this,  steps  between  the  sun  and  the  earth,  and  thereby 
intercepts  the  rays  of  the  former,  which  would  otherwise  fall 
upon  and  illuminate  the  earth.  A  solar  eclipse  can  only 
happen,  therefore,  at  the  period  of  the  new  moon,  as  the 
moon  can  alone  at  this  time  occupy  the  position  we  have 
described. 

THE  SOLAR  SYSTEM. 

The  sun,  together  with  all  the  opake  celestial  bodies  re- 
volving around  him,  such  as  planets,  moons  and  comets, 
which  receive  their  light  from  him,  forms  the  solar  system. 
The  number  of  planets,  exclusive  of  the  planetoids  or  aster- 
oids is  8,  and  these  have  20  moons  revolving  around  them, 
which  are  likewise  known  by  the  name  of  satellites.  The 
following  is  the  planetary  order  of  revolutions  around  the 


INTRODUCTION. 


13 


NAMES. 

Distance 
from  Sun. 

Magnitude 
compared  with  the 
Earth. 

Revolution 
around  their 
own  nxprt. 

Time  of  Revolution 
around  the  Sun. 

MILES. 

YEARS.                  DAYS 

MERCURY, 

37  millions. 

1  •">  times  less. 

24  hours. 

88 

VENUS, 

<;<» 

1-20      "       " 

281      " 

224':-. 

EARTH 

96 

See  Maff.  page  6. 

24       " 

1 

MARS, 

145 

C>\  times  less. 

-4;i     " 

1                 322 

VESTA, 

225 

12,555 

« 

9 

3                 224 

JUNO, 

268 

172 

« 

9 

4                i:m 

CERES, 

263 

116 

" 

9 

4                 220 

*TALLAS, 

204 

50 

« 

9 

4                 2211 

JUPITER, 

485 

1474 

greater. 

10  hours. 

11                 313 

SATURN, 

890 

1080 

H 

11       " 

2<»               "  154£ 

URANUS, 

1800 

85 

« 

9 

83                 271 

NEPTUNE, 

2860 

91 

H 

9 

165  nearly  

Here  is  to  be  remarked : 

1.  That  of  the  aforementioned  planets,  the  Earth  has  l, 
Neptune  at  least  1,  Jupiter  4,  Saturn,  8  and  Uranus  6  moons, 
or  satellites.     Saturn  is  also  encompassed  with  at  least  2  large 
revolving  concentric  rings. 

2.  Venus  is  called  the  evening  and  morning  star,  because 
she  is  visible  before  the  rising  and  after  the  setting  of  the  sun, 
and  distinguishes  herself  by  her  size  and  sparkling  light. 

3.  The  Comets  are  easily  distinguished  from  the  planets, 
partly  by  there  luminous  tails,  which  are  invariably  turned 
from    the   sun,    and    partly    by  their    courses,   since  they 
go  inimitably  far  around  the  sun,  and  in  very  eccentric  orbits. 

4.  The  Sun  has  a  diameter  of  880,000  miles,  and  his 
magnitude  is   550    times  greater  than    all   the   planets  and 
moons  together.     Were  the  sun   hollow  and  were  the  earth 
with  its  satellite,  the  moon,  to  revolve  in  the  sun's  centre, 
the  moon,  which  is  distant  from  the  earth  near  240,000  miles, 
could  perform  its  revolution  around  the  earth  without  com- 
ing in  contact  with   the  outer   rim  of  the  sun;  indeed  the 
moon  would  even  yet  be  distant  200,000  miles  from   his  ex- 
tremity.    He  is  full  of  spots,  termed  sun  spots,  and  revolves 
upon  his  own  axis  once  in  25 1-  days. 

SURFACE  OF  THE  EARTH. 

The  surface  of  the  earth  consists  of  a  continual  succession 
of  elevations  and  depressions;  the  latter  are  principally  filled 
with  water  and  sometimes  with  various  kinds  of  earth  ;  it  is 
therefore  composed  partly  of  land  and  partly  of  water. 

*Since  1845,  upwards  of  sixty  planetoids  have  been  discovered,  which  re- 
volve around  the  sun  at  about  the  same  average  distance  from  him  as  do 
Juno,  Ceres  and  Pallas. 


14  INTRODUCTION. 

1.  THE  LAND. 

Thus  we  call  this  portion  of  the  earth's  surface  which  is 
not  covered  with  water,  and  which  is  inhabited.  It  compri- 
ses scarcely  one  third  of  the  Avhole  surface  of  the  earth,  and 
it  rises  gradually  from  the  sea  or  ocean,  so  that  the  regions 
most  remote  therefrom,,  have  usually  the  highest  localities. 
The  large  coherent  portions  are  called  the  main  land,  or  Con- 
tinent ;  the  smaller  portions  surrounded  by  the  sea,  are 
termed  Islands,  and  may  be  regarded  as  mountains,  jutting 
forth  from  the  deep.  Low  islands  overflowed  with  water, 
having  craggy  peaks  projecting  therefrom,  are  called  Cliffs, 
and  when  these  are  upon  the  coast,  they  bear  sometimes 
the  name  of  Shears.  Many  islands  near  each  other,  are 
called  an  Archipelago  ;  and  even  the  sea  in  which  they  lie  is 
called  by  this  name.  Elevations  near  low  waters,  are  called 
Banks ;  but  if  they  consist  of  sand  heaped  up,  the  name  of 
Sandbanks  is  applied  to  them.  A  tract  of  land  washed  on 
its  three  sides  by  the  sea  and  united  on  the  other  to  the  main 
land,  is  called  a  Peninsula;  to  a  long  narrow  strip  extending 
into  the  sea,  the  name  Neck,  is  given;  and  when  two  coun- 
tries are  united  by  such  a  neck,  it  Dears  the  name  of  an 
Isthmus.  The  land  upon  the  sea  or  ocean  is  called  the 
Coast ;  and  that  part  of  the  coast  laved  by  the  sea,  is  termed 
the  Strand,  Shore  or  Beach.  The  sand  hills  upon  the  beach 
which  are  sometimes  overflowed  by  the  sea,  go  under  the 
name  of  Downs. 

The  different  elevations  of  the  earth,  have  given  rise  to 
various  appellations  The  smaller  to  the  height  of  100  feet, 
are  called  Hillocks;  those  from  100  to  1,000  feet,  Hills;  and 
those  of  1,000  feet  and  upwards,  Mountains.  If  many 
mountains  are  united  together,  so  as  to  form  a  continual 
range,  they  are  called  a  Chain  of  mountains,  and  when  this 
chain  projects  into  the  sea,  it  bears  the  name  Promontory, 
or  Cape.  There  are  mountains  which  throw  forth  burning 
matter  or  lava;  such  are  called  Volcanoes,  and  their  aper- 
tures through  which  the  lava  is  emitted,  Craters.  The  high- 
est mountain  upon  the  globe,  is,  so  far  as  is  known,  Kunchin- 
junga,  in  Asia,  over  28,000  feet  high.  A  narrow  passage, 
between  two 'mountains,  is  called  a  Pass  or  Defile;  a  deep- 
ening between  the  same,  a  Vale;  this  deepening  when  be- 
tween steep  mountains,  a  Ravine ;  and  if  the  ravine  is  as 
narrow  at  the  top  as  at  the  bottom,  a.  Gulf,  which  when 


INTRODUCTION.  15 

very  deep  has  the  name  of  an  Abyss.  A  tract  of  land 
which  is  not  enclosed  by  mountains,  nor  much  elevated 
above  the  surrounding  country,  is  called  a  Plain  ;  an  exten- 
sive plain  upon  which  only  short  grass  or  heath  grows,  is 
called  a  Heath  or  Steppe;  a  large  sterile, and  therefore  unin- 
habitable region,  a  Desert ;  a  wild  uninhabited  country,  which 
could,  however,  be  cultivated  and  beautified,  a  Wilderness  ; 
and  a  fertile  spot  in  the  midst  of  a  desert,  an  Oasis.  A 
region  that  rises  higher  than  the  surrounding  country,  is 
called  Highlands,  and  when  the  reverse  is  the  case,  Low- 
lands. The  highlands  are  again,  sometimes  traversed  by 
mountains,  between  which  lie  very  deep  valleys,  and  some- 
times vast  plains  lie  upon  the  highlands,  called  Table-lands. 
The  Scandinavian  Peninsula  of  Norway  and  Sweden 
exhibits  to  us,  amongst  other  things,  a  country  where  we 
meet  all  these  varieties  of  surface.  The  middle  strip  running 
north  and  south  is  a  range  of  highlands,  but  east  and  west 
of  this,  the  surface  sinks  towards  the  sea  and  becomes  low- 
lands. The  highlands  again  present  not  entirely  a  level,  but 
rather  and  undulating  surface. 

2.  THE  WATER. 

The  Water  comprises  about  two-thirds  of  the  whole  surface 
of  the  earth,  and  it  has  probably  in  some  places  a  depth  of 
five  miles.  At  its  bottom  are  mountains,  valleys,  plains  and 
morasses,  often  overgrown  with  plants  like  the  main  land ; 
and  innumerable  quantities  of  living  creatures  animate  the 
liquid  element.  When  the  sea  is  quite  calm  it  presents  a 
mirrored  surface;  but  as  soon  as  the  wind  blows,  even  gently, it 
becomes  ruffled ;  and  during  a  storm  its  waves  heave  from  10 
to  1 5  feet  high,  which  when  they  roar  and  dash  against  each 
other,  from  the  intersecting  winds,  rise  sometimes  to  the  height 
of  50  and  60  feet.  When  the  waves  dash  upon  the  shore, 
especially  upon  one  that  is  rocky,  and  are  driven  back  by 
the  succeeding  ones,  which  break  foaming  upon  the  beach, 
this  is  called  the  surge. 

Moist  vapors  rise  from  the  surface  of  the  earth  and  mingle 
with  the  atmosphere.  These  vapors,  whilst  they  float  in  the 
lower  strata  of  air,  are  called  mist;  but  when  they  astvnd 
higher,  receive  the  name  of  clouds.  The  mountains  and  sur- 
face of  the  earth  absorb  these  vapors,  and  after  becoming 
united,  they  issue  forth  riot  as  vapors,  but  as  water,  and  thus 


16  INTRODUCTION. 

give  rise  to  fountains ;  for  so  waters  gushing  from  the  earth 
are  called.  Fountains,  which  contain  certain  peculiar  sani- 
tary powers,  on  account  of  their  mixture  with  metallic  ingre- 
dients, as  sulphur,  salt,  and  different  kinds  of  air,  are  called 
mineral,  or  medicinal  springs.  When  the  rising  water  flows 
from  its  source,  it  forms  a  brook ;  many  brooks  when  united 
make  a  creek  ;  and  many  creeks  a  river/  The  brooks,  how- 
ever, do  not  always  flow  into  a  creek,  nor  the  creeks  into  a 
river,  but  they  frequently  run  directly,  like  the  river  itself, 
into  a  lake,  or  sea.  When  a  river  flows  in  its  course  over 
rocky  places,  having  a  steep  declivity,  a  waterfall  or  cataract 
is  produced,  as  the  water  is  precipitated  from  a  great  height 
into  the  abyss  below.  Rivers,  which  have  their  sources  not 
distant  from  the  sea,  and  flow  only  through  the  coast,  are 
called  Coast  rivers ;  and  those  which  are  absorbed  in  the  sand, 
are  termed  rivers  of  the  Desert.  The  channel  in  which  a  river 
flows,  is  called  its  Bed ;  the  land  bordering  on  the  river,  its 
bank ;  and  the  place  where  a  brook,  creek,  or  river  unites 
with  a  larger  stream,  or  body  of  water,  its  Mouth.  When 
water  is  collected  in  small  or  large  basins  upon  the  surface 
of  the  earth,  the  former  are  called  Ponds;  the  latter,  Lakes; 
and  when  the  lake  is  united  to  the  sea  by  a  small  strait  or 
inlet,  it  is  named  a  Haven.  A  narrow  passage  of  water,  divid- 
ing countries,  and  uniting  seas  together,  is  called  a  Strait,  or 
Sound ;  and  when  the  water  which  separates  the  countries, 
is  of  considerable  breadth,  it  receives  the  name  of  a  Channel. 
This  name  is  likewise  applied  to  an  artificial  canal,  through 
which  merchandise  is  transported  from  one  sea  to  another. 
When  the  water  flows  from  the  ocean  or  sea  into  the  land, 
where  a  natural  cavity  exists,  an  Inlet  or  Bay  is  formed.  A 
Road,  is  a  place  near  a  city,  where  ships  ride  at  anchor,  and 
from  thence  run  into  the  harbor  in  the  winter,  where  they  are 
more  protected  against  storms  and  ice.  A  Naval  Station,  is  a 
harbor  which  has  the  necessary  establishments  for  the  equip- 
ment of  a  squadron,  such  as  docks,  arsenal,  magazines,  rope 
manufactories, and  anchor  shops;  arid  a  harbor, in  which  the 
vessels  of  all  nations  are  permittted  to  enter  and  trade,  at  a 
moderate  duty,  is  called  a  Free  Harbor. 

THE  TIDE. 

The  ocean  exhibits  a  singular  phenomenon,  in  its  periodi- 
cal rise  and  fall,  termed  its  ebb  and  flood.   It  rises  during  six 


INTRODUCTION.  It 

hours,  and  falls  for  the  same  length  of  time,  producing  two 
ebb  tides  and  two  flood  tides,  in  about  24  hours.  The  rise  of  the 
tide  is  unequal,  the  greatest  taking  place  in  the  narrow  seas, 
where  the  action  of  the  sun  and  moon  is  assisted  by  winds, 
currents,  and  the  position  of  the  coast.  In  the  Bay  of  Fundy, 
the  tide  rises  to  the  height  ot  70  feet;  whereas  in  the  River 
Elbe,  it  rises  only  from  four  to  six  feet.  Spring  tides  are  those 
which  occur  soon  after  the  new  moon,  and  are  higher  than 
the  ordinary  tides.  The  principal  cause  of  this  phenomenon, 
is  the  influence  of  the  sun  and  moon  upon  the  earth ;  the 
power  of  the  latter  being  three  times  that  of  the  former. 

ATMOSPHERE— CLIMATE. 

The  earth  is  encompassed  by  a  transparent  fluid,  which  we 
call  air.  Into  this  air  vapors  of  various  kinds  ascend  contin- 
ually from  the  earth,  and  the  whole  forms  the  circumambient 
atmosphere.  That  quality  of  the  atmosphere  which  is  pecu- 
liar to  a  certain  district  or  country,  as  regards  its  degree  of 
heat  or  cold,  its  moisture  or  aridity,  and  its  favonible  or  un- 
favorable influence  upon  health  and  vegetation,  we  call 
climate. 

PRODUCTS. 

Such  fruits  of  the  soil  as  are  brought  forth  partly  with 
jind  p.inly  without  the  co-operation  of  man,  we  call  the  pro- 
ducts of  the  earth.  Every  region,  and  indeed  almost  every 
district  of  country,  has  its  own  peculiar  products,  which  else- 
where either  do  not  grow  at  all,  or  at  least  quite  imperfectly. 
Were  the  reindeer  and  the  white  bear  removed  from  their 
Arctic  homes  to  the  South,  and  the  sloth  or  the  giraffe  of 
Africa  to  the  North,  they  would  all  languish  and  perish  ;  and 
so  with  many  objects  of  the  vegetable  kingdom.  The  torrid 
zone  yields  the  greatest  variety  of  products,  the  largest  and 
strongest  animals,  a  vegetation  glittering  with  the  must  beau- 
tiful and  variegated  colors,  the  costliest  fruits,  the  most  pun- 
gent spices,  and  wood  of  the  finest  species  ;  bur  men  do  not 
attain  to  a  great  age  in  this  zone.  The  temperate  zones  are 
by  no  means  barren  in  products,  but  they  are  not  so  prolific 
as  the  torrid ;  the  inhabitants,  however,  live  longer.  The 
1'riuid  zones  are  sparingly  provided  in  this  respect,  producing 
merely  low  shrubbery  and  moss;  they  contain  many  fur  ani- 
mals, fish,  and  sea  fowl.  It  is  also  to  be  observed  that  in  the 
torrid  zone,  the  trees  and  shrubbery  bloom  during  the  whole 


18  INTRODUCTION. 

year,  whilst,  with  a  few  exceptions,  they  lose  their  foliage 
in  the  others ;  but  on  the  other  hand  that  of  the  torrid  zone  has 
not  the  freshness  noticeable  in  the  foliage  of  the  remaining 
ones,  during  Spring  and  Summer. 

INHABITANTS  OF  THE  GLOBE. 

The  number  of  inhabitants  of  the  human  family  upon  the 
earth  is  usually  estimated  at  from  900  to  1000  millions,  who 
differ  vastly  from  each  other,  as  well  in  a  physical  as  in  an 
intellectual  point  of  view,  and  also  in  their  religious  belief 
and  form  of  government. 

I.  In  respect  to  physical  form,  we  distinguish  five  main 
classes  : 

1.  The  Caucasian  race,  which  have  a  white  skin,  with  a 
mixture  of  red    on  their   cheeks  and  the  most    handsome 
forms.     This  race  comprises  all  Europeans  except  the  Lapps 
and  Finns;  also  the  western  Asiatics,  the  inhabitants  of  north 
Africa,  and  the  descendants  of  the  Europeans  in  America. 

2.  The  Mongolian  race,  which  have  a  skin  of  a  sallow  or 
olive  tint,  long  black  straight  hair,  a  flat  face  and  prominent 
cheek  bones.     It  comprises  the  remainder  of  the  Asiatics  ex- 
cept the  Malays,  the  Finns  in  Europe,  and  the  Esquimaux  in 
North  America. 

3.  The  Ethiopic,  or  Black  race,  which  have  complexions 
of  a  jetty  hue,  black  woolly  hair,  flat  noses  and  thick  lips. 
This  race  comprehends  the  most  of  the  Africans  and  a  part 
of  the  inhabitants  of  Oceanica. 

4.  The  America  race,  which  have  a  reddish  brown  com- 
plexion, long  black  hair,  broad,  but  not  flat  faces,  and  very 
expressive  features.     To  this  race  belong,  with  the  exception 
of  the  Esquimaux,  all  the  aboriginal  tribes  of  America. 

5.  The  Malay  race,  which  are  distinguished  by  a  dark 
brown  skin,  coarse  black  hair,    a  broad  nose    and  a  large 
mouth.     This  race  comprises  the  inhabitants  of  most  of  the 
East  Indies  and  many  of  the  Oceanic  Islands. 

II.  As  regards  mental  culture,  we  distinguish  three  grades  : 
1.  The  lowest  grade:  Man  in  a  state  of  nature,  as  a 
hunter,  or  fisherman.  Accustomed  to  few  pursuits,  he  is 
very  adroit  in  the  use  of  the  bow  and  arrow,  and  of  the 
javelin  and  sling,  but  is  destitute  of  the  art  of  writing ;  he 
dwells  in  simple  huts,  which  are  often  constructed  of  the 


INTRODUCTION.  19 

branches  of  trees,  and  he  has  only  a  feeble  foreboding  of 
superior  beings,  which  he  worships  in  the  form  of  images. 

2.  The  middle,  grade  :  The  half  civilized  herdsmen,  who 
leads  a  nomadic  life.     Here  exists  a  certain  proficiency  in  the 
tanning  of  hides,  in  the  art  of  weaving ;  also  in  iron  manu- 
factures and  in  the  erection  of  portable  tents.     In  this  grade 
the  art  of  penmanship  is  not  unknown,  and  the  conceptions 
on  the  subject  of  religion  are  somewhat  purer. 

3.  The  highest  grade  :  The  cultivated  and  educated  man, 
who  lives  under  well  regulated  governments,  has  permanent 
dwellings,  is  busied  with  various  intellectual  avocations,  and 
entertains  elevated  and  correct  views  of  religion. 

III.  In  reference  to  religion,  the  human  family  is  divided 
into  two  principal  classes : 

1.  Confessors  of  a  supreme,  perfect,  omnipotent,  and  invisi- 
ble Being,  whom  we  call  God.     To  this  class  belong: 

A,  The  Jews,  or  Israelites,  five  millions,  (according  to  some 
statements;  of  others,  more.) 

B.  The  Christians,  290  millions. 

A.  The  Roman  Catholics,  146  millions. 

B.  The  Greek  Catholics,  74  millions. 

c.  Protestants,  70  millions.     These  comprise : 

AA.  Lutherans. 

BB.  Episcopalians. 

cc.  Methodists  and  many  other  sects. 

C.  The  Mohammedans,  about  130  millions. 

2.  The  Heathen,  who  have  a  more  or  less  unworthy,  crude, 
and  often  puerile  conceptions  of  the  Supreme  Being: 

A.  Fetish  Worshippers,  who  adore  some  object  of  the  cor- 
poreal world,  as  mountains,  trees,  serpents  and  crocodiles ; 
also,  objects  made  of  wood,  stone,  arid  metal,  under  the  name 
of  fetishes.     This  belief  prevails  chiefly  amongst  the  negro 
tribes  of  Africa  and  the  inhabitants  of  Oceanica. 

B.  Worshippers  of  the  Sun,  Moon  and  Stars. — These  live 
in  Asia,  and  are  principally  Tartars  and  Mongols.     Also,  some 
of  the  Indians  of  North  America. 

c.  Hero  Worshippers,  or  the  adorers  of  distinguished  men. 
Such  are  the  worshippers  of  the  Grand  Lama,  and  of  Foo,  in 
Thibet  and  China. 

D.  Image    Worshippers,  who,  instead  of  the  three  above 
named  species  of  adoration,  worship  images,  and  venerate  in 
symbols,  the  conception  of  the  qualities  and  perfections  of 


20  INTRODUCTION. 

their  deities.  Such  a  worship  is  observed  by  the  confessors 
of  the  Braminical  religion  in  Hindoostan,  who  believe  in 
three  principal  divinities.  One  of  these  called  Brama,  the 
Creator  of  all  things,  they  represent  as  a  person  with  four 
hands,  and  as  many  Jieads.  In  the  one  hand  he  holds  a  ring, 
the  emblem  of  immortality  ;  in  another,  a  flame  of  fire,  the 
sign  of  strength;  and  with  the  third  and  fourth  he  composes 
laws. 

IV.  We  distinguish  various  kinds  of  Government  : 

1.  A  MONARCHY,  where  the  supreme  power  is  in  the  hands 
of  one  individual. 

A.  ^  Despotism,  where  the  sovereign  has  no  law  but  his 
own  willj  and  can  dispose  at  pleasure  of  the  lives,  persons 
and  property  of  his  subjects.     This  kind  of  government  prin- 
cipally prevails  in  Asia  and  Africa. 

B.  Msolute  Monarchy,  where  the  ruler  is  circumscribed 
by  law,  but  has  the  legislative,  executive,  and  judicial  depart- 
ments of  the  government  united  in  his  own  person,  so  as  to 
render  his  will  supreme.     Russia  affords  an  instance  of  this 
kind  of  government. 

c.  Limited  Monarchy,  where  the  monarch  exercises  the 
supreme  power,  especially  the  legislative,  in  unison  with  his 
subjects.  This  kind  of  government  prevails  in  most  of  the 
European  States,  as  in  England  and  Denmark. 

2.  A  REPUBLIC,  where  the  supreme  power  is  vested  in  more 
than  one  person.     Republican  governments  are  principally 
met  with  in  America,  the  most  perfect  of  which  is  that  of  the 
United  States;  but  they  are  also  found  in  Europe,  as  in  Swit- 
zerland. 

Republics  are  of  two  kinds  : 

A.  Jl  Democracy,  where  the  whole  nation  takes  part  in  the 
affairs  of  government. 

B.  Jin  Aristocracy,  a  government  where  the  administration 
of  the  State  is  in  the  hands  of  a  few  nobles. 


DIVISIONS  OF  THE  EARTH. 

THE  LAND. 

It  consists  of  two  grand  divisions — the  Old  World  and  the 
New  World,  and  these  are  again  sub-divided  into  five  parts. 


INTRODUCTION.  21 

To  the  Old  World  belong : 

1.  Europe.     2.  Asia.     3.  Africa. 

All  these  three  parts  form  one  united  continent;  Europe 
being  united  to  Asia  on  the  West,  and  Africa  also  joined  with 
it  by  the  Isthmus  of  Suez.  Asia  is  the  largest  of  these  parts. 

To  the  New  World  belong  : 

4.  America.  5.  Oceanica.  Both  these  parts  have  been 
since  discovered ;  hence  the  name,  New  World. 

If  we  cast  a  glance  upon  these  five  parts,  we  discover  that 
a  much  greater  portion  of  land  lies  in  the  northern  than  in 
the  southern  hemisphere — Europe,  Asia,  and  the  greater  part 
of  Africa,  lying  in  the  former,  whilst  only  a  part  of  Oceanica, 
and  the  smaller  portions  of  Africa  and  America  lie  in  the 
latter.  The  main  land  stretches  from  the  55th  degree  of  south 
latitude  to  about  75°  of  north  latitude. 

OB.  In  1841  Sir  James  Ross  discovered  on  the  borders  of  the  southern 
ocean,  below   67°  of  south   latitude,  a   country  which   seems   to  consist  of 
mountains,  covered  with  snow,  where  neither  animals  nor  vegetation  were> 
visible.     This  is  thought  to  be  a  continent  around  the  South  Pole.     The  vol- 
canoes— Mount  Erebus  and  Mount  Terror — are  found  here. 

THE  OCEAN. 

The  ocean  surrounds  all  parts  of  the  continent,  or  main 
land,  and  is  divided  into  five  principal  divisions,  to  which  for 
convenience  different  names  have  been  applied: 

1.  The    Northern,  or   Arctic   Ocean,  which   washes   the 
northern  coast  of  Europe,  Asia  and  America,  comprises  the 
largest  portion  of  the  northern  frigid  zone. 

2.  The  Southern  or  Antarctic  Ocean,  which  surrounds  the 
south  pole,  was  little  known  until  the  recent  exploring  expe- 
ditions, which  have  penetrated  its  waters. 

3.  The  Atlantic  Ocean,  lies  between  Europe  and  Africa  on 
the  one  side  and  America  on  the  other,  and  extends  from  the 
Arctic  ocean  to  the  Antarctic.     The  northern  part,  however, 
from  the  straits  of  Dover,  bears  the  name  of  the  North  Sea, 
and  the  southern  part  from  the  equator,  is  sometimes  called 
the  Ethiopian  Sea,  so  that  strictly  speaking  only  the  middle 
portion,  from  the  straits  of  Dover  to  the  equator,  is  called 
the  Atlantic. 

4.  The  Indian  Ocean,  lies  between  Africa,  Asia  and  Aus- 
tralia and  extends  from  the  south  coast  of  Asia,  through  the 
torrid  and  temperate  zones,  to  the  Antarctic  ocean. 

5.  The  Pacific  Ocean,  washes  Asia  and  Australia  on  the 


22  INTRODUCTION. 

east  and  America  on  the  west,  and  extends  like  the  Atlantic 
from  the  Arctic  to  the  Antarctic  oceans.  It  is  the  largest  of 
the  five  above  mentioned  oceans  and  therefore  is  sometimes 
called  the  Great  Ocean.  That  portion  south  of  the  equator 
bears  the  name  of  the  South  Sea.  Ferdinand  Magellan  and 
his  companions,  who- first  navigated  it,  and  who  were  con- 
tinually attended  with  gentle  breezes,  called  it  the  Still  Ocean; 
other  navigators  by  no  means  so  fortunate  as  the  first,  have 
experienced  violent  storms  here,  like  in  the  other  oceans. 
It  is,  however,  on  account  of  its  vast  extent,  usually  free  from 
storms. 


AMERICA. 


This  division  of  the  globe,  discovered  by  Christopher 
Columbus,  a  Genoese  navigator,  in  the  year  1492,  lies  be- 
tween 56°  of  south  and  80°  of  north  latitude,  and  also 
between  34°  and  168°  of  west  longitude.  It  is  bound- 
ed north  by  the  Arctic  ocean,  east  by  the  Atlantic,  south 
and  west  by  the  Pacific  and  Behring's  strait,  which  separates 
it  from  Asia.  Its  area  is  estimated  at  about  fifteen  millions 
of  square  miles. 

America  contains,  especially  in  the  south,  many  large  and 
lofty  mountains,  the  most  of  which,  even  in  the  torrid  zone, 
are  covered  with  continual  snow ;  here  also,  the  highest 
table-lands  upon  the  globe  are  met  with.  Many  regions  are 
covered  with  immense  forests,  and  the  most  northern  por- 
tions are  quite  barren  ;  in  general,  however,  the  soil  is  very 
fertile,  but  sparsely  inhabited  in  proportion  to  its  vast 
extent. 

BAYS  AND  GULFS. 

Upon  the  east  side  : 

1.  Baffin's  Bay  in  the  north. 

2.  Hudson's  Bay,  the  southern  part  of  which  is  called 
James'  Bay. 

3.  The  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence. 

4.  The  Gulf  of  Mexico,  the  southern  part  of  which  is  called 
the  Caribbean  Sea. 

Upon  the  west  side  : 

1.  The  Gulf  of  Panama. 

2.  The  Gulf  of  California,  or  the  Purple  Sea. 

STRAITS. 

1.  Davis'  Strait,  leading  into  Baffin's  Bay. 


24  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

2.  The  Lancaster  Sound  leads  west  from  Baffin's  Bay  into 
the  Arctic  Ocean. 

3.  Hudson's  Sir  ait  leads  into  Hudson's  Bay. 

4.  The  Strait  of  Magellan  unites  the  Atlantic  and  Pacific 
Oceans. 

5.  Behr ing's  or  Cook's  Strait  unites  the  Pacific  and  Arctic 
Oceans. 

MOUNTAINS. 

The  principal  chain  of  Mountains  are  the  Cordilleras  de 
los  *ftndes  (chain,  of  the  Andes  or  Copper  Mountains)  which 
run  along  the  western  side  and  attain  their  loftiest  elevations 
near  the  equator.  Here  the  highest  inhabited  mountain 
plains  rise,  called  the  high  table  lands  of  Quito,  which  reach 
an  altitude  of  over  9500  feet.  This  chain  of  mountains 
stretches  over  the  Isthmus  of  Panama,  and  forms  the  lofty 
table  lands  of  Mexico,  and  runs  through  Mexico  under  the 
name  of  the  Cordilleras ;  but  thence  to  the  Arctic  Ocean  bears 
the  name  of  the  Rocky  Mountains.  The  highest  peaks  of 
this  chain  are  in  the  South,  Mount  Sorato,  25,400  feet  high; 
Illimani,  24,200  feet,  and  Mount  Chimborazo,  21,420  feet: 
in  the  North,  Mount  St.  Elias,  with  an  elevation  of  17,850 
feet.  Numerous  volcanoes  are  found  in  this  chain  of  moun- 
tains. 

CLIMATE. 

America  is  possessed  of  a  colder  climate  than  that  of  other 
countries  under  the  same  latitude.  In  none  of  the  countries 
lying  under  the  tropics  is  the  heat  so  excessive  as  in  Africa; 
and  in  the  temperate  zones  the  degree  of  cold  is  much  greater 
than  in  Europe.  This  difference  of  climate  in  the  torrid 
zone  is  to  be  attributed  to  the  fact  that  America  has  a  higher 
elevation  than  the  eastern  continent ;  and  in  the  temperate 
zones,  seems  principally  caused  by  its  vast  districts  oi  uncul- 
tivated land,  and  by  its  extensive  forests  and  morasses.  The 
air  in  general  is  pure  and  healthy,  except  in  some  marshy 
localities  in  the  torrid  zone,  where  the  yellow  fever  rages. 

PRODUCTS. 

The  most  noted  animals, peculiar  to  America,  are  the  bison 
of  North  America,  the  largest  land  animal  of  the  new  world; 
the  grizzly  bear,  of  the  Rocky  Mountains  ;  the  lama,,  a  very 
useful,  domesticated  animal,  in  South  America ;  the  vicuna, 


AMERICA.  25 

which  occupies  the  high  mountains ;  and  the  tapir,  of  the 
marshy  districts  of  South  America  ;  also,  the  jaguar,  a  species 
of  tiger,  the  sloth,  various  kinds  of  monkeys,  and  the  vampire, 
a  large  bat.  Here  are  also  found  the  condor  and  cochineal. 

The  most  important,  indigenous  products  of  the  vegetable 
kingdom  are  potatoes,  maize,  tobacco,  and  different  species 
of  wood;  also,  the  Paraguay  tea,  cocoa  and  vanilla. 

Gold  and  silver  are  found  here  in  abundance,  as  are  also 
beautiful  diamonds,  and  platinum. 

INHABITANTS. 

The  population  of  America  is  composed  of  various  races, 
^Europeans,  Aborigines  and  Negroes ;  and  it  is  estimated  at 
"sixty-one  millions. 

A  more  minute  classification  comprises  : 

1.  The,  Esquimaux,  a  people  of  diminutive  stature,  who 
belong  to  the  aborigines,  and  inhabit  the  most  northern  parts 
of  America. 

2.  The  Indians,  also  aborigines,  whose  number  is  consid- 
erable, and  who  are  found  in  most  parts  of  America,  except 
in  the  most  northern  and  in  the  settled  portions. 

3.  Creoles  and  other  descendants  of  Europeans,  born  in 
America. 

4.  Creole  Negroes,  the  children  or  descendants  of  Negroes 
born  in  America. 

5.  Mulattoes,  whose  parents  on  the  one  side  are  Europe- 
ans, and  on  the  other  Negroes. 

6.  Mestizoes,  the  descendants  of  Europeans  and  Indians, 

7.  Zamboes,  the  descendants  of  Negroes  arid  Indians. 
The  professors  of  the   Catholic    religion  are   principally 

found  in  the  southern  portions  of  America,  where  the  Span- 
ish and  Portuguese  are  the  prevailing  languages ;  whilst  the 
Protestants  chiefly  possess  the  northern  sections,  and  mostly 
speak  the  English  language.  The  Indians  are  composed  prin- 
cipally of  savage  tribes,  who  subsist  by  hunting  and  fishing, 
except  a  few  in  the  north,  who  have  become  somewhat 
civilized. 


GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND-BOOK, 


PKINCIPAL   DIVISIONS. 

America  is  divided  into  two  large  parts,  which  are  united 
together  by  the  Isthmus  of  Panama,  and  it  has  a  cluster  of 
islands  lying  between  these  two  divisions,  called  the  West 
Indies. 

The  divisions  are: 

A— NORTH  AMERICA.     B— SOUTH  AMERICA,     c— WEST  INDIES. 


A-NORTH  AMERICA. 

The  greatest  part  of  North  America  lies  in  the  north  tem- 
perate, a  small  portion  in  the  north  frigid,  and  the  southern 
strip  in  the  torrid  zone.  Little  doubt  remains,  after  the  re- 
peated exploring  expeditions  that  have  sailed  as  far  north  as 
possible,  that  navigation  through  the  polar  seas  is  scarcely 
practicable,  on  account  of  the  ice,  and  consequently  of  no 
utility  for  commerce. 

MOUNTAINS. 

Besides  the  Mexican  Cordilleras,  and  the  Rocky  Mountains 
in  the  west,  with  the  lofty  Mount  St.  Elias  in  the  northwest, 
in  the  eastern  part  are  the  Alleghany,  or  Appalachian  chain 
of  mountains,  which  stretches  from  the  gulf  of  St.  Lawrence 
to  the  gulf  of  Mexico. 

Between  these  chains  of  mountains,  stretch  east  and  west, 
large  and  extensive  plains,  called  prairies  or  savannas,  upon 
large  portions  of  which  little  except  low  bashes  and  grass 
grow.  The  western  tide  of  emigration  is  fast  possessing  these 
meadows  of  unsurpassed  fertility,  towards  the  Rocky  Moun- 
tains :  but  upon  large  portions  of  them  great  droves  of  buffa- 
lo, wild  horses  and  deer,  yet  roam  in  all  their  native  wildness. 
Great  abundance  of  wild  fowl  are  likewise  found  here. 

CAPES. 

1.  Cape,  Farewell,  the  southern  point  of  Greenland. 

2.  Cape  Sable,  the  southern  point  of  Florida. 


NORTH  AMERICA.  27 

3.  Cape.  St.  Lucas,  the  southern  point  of  the  Peninsula  of 
California. 

4.  Cape  Prince  of  Wales,  the  most  western  in  America, 
on  Behring's  strait. 

LAKES. 

The  largest  are  : 

1.  Great  Bear  Lake,  the  most  northern. 

2.  Great  Slave  Lake,  south  of  the  former. 

3.  Lake  Winnipeg,  in  the  vicinity  of  which  are  many 
smaller. 

4.  Superior,  the  largest  fresh  water  lake  upon  the  globe. 

5.  Lake  Michigan. 

6.  Lake  Huron. 

7.  Lake  Erie. 

8.  Lake  Ontario. 

These  five  last  named  lakes  are  united  together,  and  called 
by  the  general  name,  Canadian  Lakes.  Lake  Erie  is  united 
to  Lake  Ontario  by  the  river  Niagara,  celebrated  on  account 
of  the  Falls  of  Niagara,  160  feet  high ;  the  most  noted  curi- 
osity of  the  new  world.  The  roaring  of  the  water  over  these 
falls  is  ordinarily  heard  at  the  distance  of  from  5  to  20  miles 
arid  has  even  been  heard  at  Toronto,  45  miles  distant. 

RIVERS. 

North  America  also  abounds  in  rivers. 

1.  The   Mackenzie   River,  the  outlet  of  Great  Slave  lake, 
empties  into  the  Arctic  ocean. 

2.  The  Nelson,  an  outlet  of  Lake  Winnipeg,  flows  into 
Hudson's  Bay. 

3.  The  St.  Lawrence,  the    outlet  of   the  five   Canadian 
lakes,  flows  into  the  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence. 

4.  The    Connecticut.  5.   The   Hudson.    6.  The   Delaware. 
7.   The  Susquehanna.  8.  The  Potomac.     All  these  rise  in  the 
Alleghany  mountains,  and  empty  into  the  Atlantic. 

9.  The  Mississippi,  the  largest  river  in  North  America, 
takes  its  rise  in  many  small  lakes,  and  after  a  course  of  over 
3,000   miles,  empties  into  the  Gulf  of  Mexico.     It  annually 
overflows  its  banks,  and  has  sometimes  produced  great  de- 
struction to  the  surrounding  country.     Great  quantities  of 
wood  are  washed  upon  its  surface  to  the  ocean. 

The  two  principal  affluents  of  the  Mississippi  are : 


23  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND-BOOK. 

10.  The  Missouri,  which  rises  in  the  Rocky  Mountains, 
and  flows  about  3,000  miles  into  the  Mississippi ;  and 

11.  The  Ohio,  formed  by  the  confluence  of  the  Alleghany 
and  Monongahela,  with  a  length  of  1,000  miles. 

12.  The  Rio  Grande  del  Norte  rises  in  the  Mexican  Cor- 
dilleras, and  flows,  after  a  course  of  1,800  miles,  into  the  Gulf 
of  Mexico. 


DIVISIONS, 

1.  Greenland. 

2.  Russian  America. 

3.  British  America. 

4.  The  United  States. 

5.  Mexico. 

6.  Central  America. 

1.  GREENLAND. 

Population  12,000. 

This  division  belongs  to  Denmark,  and  stretches  from  Cape 
Farewell  along  Davis'  Strait  and  Baffin's  Bay  to  the  unex- 
plored regions  of  the  north.  It  is  one  of  the  most  desolate 
and  sterile  countries  upon  the  face  of  the  globe,  in  which  an 
almost  uninterrupted  winter  prevails,  except  a  short  summer 
of  a  few  weeks.  The  principal  products  are  marble,  sulphur, 
stone  coal,  bilberries,  creeping  willows  and  birch;  also  hares, 
foxes,  bears,  reindeer,  and  dogs  which  resemble  wolves.  The 
sea  around  Greenland  abounds  in  fish,  seal  and  whale ;  and 
the  tide  casts  great  quantities  of  drift-wood  upon  the  coast, 
which  the  inhabitants  use  for  fuel  and  building  timber.  The 
seal  is  as  serviceable  to  the  Greenlanders  as  the  reindeer  to 
the  Lapps.  They  use  the  flesh  for  meat,  bum  the  oil  in 
lamps,  and  mingle  it  in  their  food ;  and  with  the  skins  they 
clothe  themselves  and  cover  their  tents.  The  chief  exports 
are :  train  oil,  the  skins  of  bears,  foxes,  and  seals  ;  also  eider 
down  and  whalebone.  The  inhabitants  are  mostly  Esqui- 
maux, who  have  been  partially  converted  to  Christianity, 
through  the  instrumentality  of  the  Danes  and  Moravian 


RUSSIAN  AMERICA— BRITISH  AMERICA.  29 

missionaries.  The  latter,  with  a  few  Danish  traders,  and  the 
officers  of  government,  are  the  only  European  residents. 

LICHTENFELS,  is  the  capital  of  firetnland. 

UPERNAVIK,  situated  north  of  72°  of  north  latitude,  on 
the  west  coast  of  Greenland,  is  the  most  northern  settlement 
of  the  Danes  in  this  cold  country. 

2.  RUSSIAN  AMERICA. 

Area  3 94,000  square-miles.     Population  65,000. 

Russian  America  comprises  the  northwestern  part  of  North 
America,  lying  on  the  Pacific,  Behring's  Strait  and  the 
Arctic  Ocean.  The  inhabitants  are  composed  of  Indians, 
Esquimaux  and  Russians.  The  fur  trade  of  this  region  is 
extensive.  The  promontory  of  Alaska  is  noteworthy,  as 
being  very  mountainous  and  containing  two  lofty  volcanoes. 

NEW  ARCHANGEL,  is  the  principal  trading  place  along  the 
coast,  and  is  the  seat  of  the  governor. 

The  Aleutian  or  Fox  Islands,  extending  a  great  distance  westward  from 
the  peninsula  of  Alaska,  form  a  part  of  Russian  America,  and  are  inhabited 
by  a  race  of  savages,  who  dwell  in  houses  under  ground,  each  containing 
from  50  to  150  inmates. 

3.  BRITISH  AMERICA. 

British  America  comprises  all  the  northern  part  of  the 
Western  Continent,  lying  north  of  the  United  States,  except 
the  Russian  possessions.  This  vast  region  includes  more 
than  one  third  of  North  America.  It  is  divided  into  the 
Hudson's  Bay  territory,  Canada,  New  Brunswick,  Prince 
Edward's  Islands,  Nova  Scotia,  Cape  Breton,  and  the  island 
of  Newfoundland. 

HUDSON'S  BAY  TERRITORY. 

Area  about  2,500,000  square  miles. 

This  territory  comprises  that  part  of  British  America  lying 
north  of  Canada  and  the  United  States.  This  vast  region 
may  be  appropriately  divided  for  description  into  the  Western, 
Interior  and  Eastern  parts. 

THE  WESTERN  PART. 

This  division  lies  south  of  the  Russian  dominions.  The 
principal  article  of  trade,  consists  in  the  fur  of  the  sea  otter 


30  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND-BOOK. 

and  the  skins  of  other  fur  animals.     The  inhabitants  are 
chiefly  Indians,  and  subsist  by  hunting. 

The  most  important  point  on  the  coast,  is  the  large  island  of  Quadra  or- 
Vancouver,  with  an  ample  bay,  called  Nooika  Sound,  where  European 
vessels  usually  anchor. 

THE  INTERIOR. 

This  division  towards  the  south  is  covered  with  immense 
forests,  in  which  live  great  quantities  of  wild  animals,  which 
furnish  abundant  supplies  of  fur,  for  the  natives  and  the- 
English  traders.  Besides  these,  moose,  reindeer,  bears,  deer, 
wolves,  foxes  and  hares,  are  found  in  great  abundance ;  also- 
the  musk  ox  and  the  bison  in  large  droves.  The  trade  in 
beaver  skins,  is  the  most  important.  The  forests  bcome 
thinner  towards  the  north,  and  disappear  entirely  at  the  68th 
degree  of  north  latitude.  The  inhabitants  are  Esquimaux  and 
Indians.  The  former  inhabit  the  most  northern  portions,  and 
live  upon  fish  and  seal ;  the  Indians  on  the  contrary,  occupy 
the  southern  parts,  and  derive  their  subsistence  by  the  remu- 
nerations of  the  chase.  The  British  claim  this  extensive 
country,  as  part  of  their  dominions  ;  but  the  natives  live  in  a 
state  of  total  independence  and  only  maintain  a  trading  in- 
tercourse with  them. 

THE  EASTERN  PART. 

Herein  are  comprised : 

A.  New    Wales,  which   encircles   Hudson's  Bay   on  the 
west,  in  the  form  of  a  half  moon,  and  is  inhabited  by  the 
Esquimaux. 

This  district  is  divided  by  the  Churchill  river,  into  New 
North  Wales  and  New  South  Wales. 

B.  Labrador  is  the  large  peninsula  lying  east  of  Hudson's 
Bay.     It  is  very  barren  and  unfruitful ;  fur  animals  and   the 
Labrador  Stone,  are  almost  the  only  products  of  this  penin- 
sula.    The  inhabitants  are  Esquimaux,  and  are  divided  into 
the  Highlanders,  who  live  upon   reindeer,  and  the   Esqui- 
maux proper,  who  resides  in  the  north,  and  gain  their  liveli- 
hood by  fishing.     These  two  races  are  very  hostile  towards 
each  other.     Some  Moravian  missions  have  been  established 
upon  the  east  coast ;  and  upon  the  west,  the  English  have 
erected  buildings,  for  the  accommodation  of  fur  traders. 


BRITISH  AMERICA.  31 

CANADA. 

Area  355,000  square  miles.     Population  3,000,000. 

Canada  was  originally  settled  by  the  French,  but  came  into 
the  possession  of  the  English  by  the  victory  gained  by  Gen. 
Wolf  at  Quebec,  in  1759.  It  was  for  a  long  time  divided 
into  two  provinces  :  Canada  East  and  Canada  West ;  but  in 
1840,  these  were  politically  united.  It  is  the  most  im- 
portant of  the  British  American  possessions,  and  lies  north  of 
the  New  England  States  and  the  Canadian  Lakes,  with 
boundaries,  as  yet,  somewhat  undefined. 

Surface  and  Soil. — Western  Canada  is  characterised  by  a 
general  evenness  of  surface;  but  Eastern  Canada  is  traversed  by 
chains  of  mountains,  the  principal  of  which  are  the  Green 
Mountains.  The  soil  of  the  former  is  fertile,  but  that  of  the 
lower  portion  of  the  latter  is  rugged  and  sterile,  while  the 
upper  portion  is  productive. 

Rivers. — The  principal  rivers,  are  the  St.  Lawrence  and  its 
tributaries,  the  Saguenay,  and  the  Ottawa.  The  Ottawa 
forms  the  boundary  between  East  and  West  Canada. 

Climate. — In  Canada  East,  the  winters  are  long  and  severe, 
the  thermometer  often  falling  to  40°  below  zero  ;  the  summers 
are  short  and  the  heat  at  times  very  intense ;  but  Canada 
West  has  a  mild  and  healthy  climate. 

Products. — The  cereal  products  of  Canada,  are  in  general 
similar  to  those  of  the  northern  parts  of  the  United  States. 
Wheat,  Indian  corn,  and  flax,  are  grown  in  great  abundance. 
Canada  is  also  rich  in  fisheries.  The  chief  exports  are, 
timber,  grain,  flour,  furs,  and  pot  and  pearl  ashes. 

Curiosities. — Besides  the  celebrated  cataract  of  Niagara, 
which  Canada  shares  in  common  with  the  state  of  New 
York,  there  are  a  great  number  of  smaller  falls,  the  most 
rioted  of  which  are  the  falls  of  the  Montmorenci,  7  miles  below 
Quebec,  with  a  descent  of  250  feet. 

Government. — The  system  of  government  is  modeled 
after  that  of  the  mother  country,  the  law-making  power 
being  in  the  hands  of  the  legislative  chambers  elected  by  the 
people,  and  a  governor-general  appointed  by  the  British  crown. 

Inhabitants. — More  than  three  fourths  of  the  inhabitants  of 
Canada  East,  are  of  French  origin,  speak  the  French  lan- 
guage, and  are  principally  catholics.  The  native  French 
Canadians  are  called  Habitans.  The  people  of  Canada 
West,  are  principally  composed  of  English,  Irish  and  Scotch. 


32  GEOGRAPHICAL   HAND   BOOK. 

CANADA  EAST. 
Canada  East  is  divided  into  fifty-nine  counties. 

1.  Argenteuil.  21-  Kamouraska.  41.  Richelieu. 

2.  Athabasca.  22.  La  Prairie.  42.  Rimouski. 

3.  Bagot.  23.  Laval.  43.  Rouville. 

4.  Beauce.  24.,  L'Assomption.  44.  Saguenay. 

5.  Bellechasse.  25.  L'Islet.  45.  Shefford. 

6.  Beauharnois.  26.  Levis.  46.  Sherbrooke. 

7.  Berthier.  27.  Lotbiniere.  47.  Soulanges. 

8.  Bonaventure.  28.  Maskinonge.  48.  Stanstead. 

9.  Brome.  29.  Megantic.  49.  St.  Hyacnthe. 

10.  Chateauguay.  30.  Missisquoi.  50.  St.  John. 

11.  Chambly.  31.  Montcalm.  51.   St.  Maurice. 

12.  Champlain.  32.  Montmagny.  52.  Tadousac. 

13.  Chicoutimi.  33.  Montmorency.  53.  Temiscouata. 

14.  Compton.  34.  Montreal.  54.  Terre  Bonne. 

15.  Dorchester.  35.  Napierville.  55.  Two  Mountains. 

16.  Drummond.  36.  Nioolet.  56.  Vandreuil. 

17.  Gaspe.  37.  Ottawa.  57.  Vercheres. 

18.  Huntingdon.  38.  Pontiac.  58.  Wolfe. 

19.  Iberville.  39.  Portneuf.  59.  Yamaska. 

20.  Jolliette.  40.  Quebec. 

QUEBEC,  one  of  the  strongest  fortified  cities  upon  the  globe, 
built  partly  upon  a  plain,  along  the  river  St.  Lawrence,  and 
partly  upon  a  high  perpendicular  rock,  350  feet  in  altitude, 
has  a  fine  harbor,  and  50,000  inhabitants.  Of  the  public 
edifices  of  Quebec,  the  following  may  be  mentioned :  the 
Parliament  House;  the  Roman  Catholic  Cathedral,  an 
irregular  building,  sufficiently  capacious  to  accomodate  4,000 
persons  ;  the  Episcopal  Cathedral ;  and  the  Scotch  Free  Church, 
built  in  the  Grecian  style.  This  city,  has  been  called  the 
Gibraltar  of  America.  The  tide  rises  here  24  feet. 

MONTREAL,  situated  on  an  island  in  the  St.  Lawrence,  180 
miles  above  Quebec,  is  the  largest  city  in  British  America,  the 
chief  depot  of  the  Hudson's  Bay  company,  and  the  emporium 
of  trade  with  the  United  States.  The  most  noted  structures 
of  this  city,  are  the  Roman  Catholic  Cathedral,  the  Town 
Hall,  the  Seminary  of  St.  Sulpice,  the  Hotel  Dieu, 
a  large  Hospital  for  the  reception  of  the  sick  poor;  the 
Convent  of  Notre  Dame,  and  Nelson's  Monument.  Popula- 
tion 80,000. 

COUNTY    CAPITALS. 

1.  St.  Placide.  2.  Athabasca.  3.  Upton.  4.  St.  Maria.  5.  St.  Michael. 
G.  Beauharnois.  7.  Berthier.  8.  N.  Carlisle.  *  9.  Brome.  10.  Chateauguay. 
11.  Chambly.  12.  Batiscan.  13.  Chicoutimi.  14.  Compton.  15.  St.  Anselme. 
16.  Drummond.  17.  Perce.  18.  Huntingdon.  19.  St.  George.  20.  Jolliette 
21.  Kamouraska.  22.  La  Prairie.  23,  He  Jesus.  24.  L'Assomption.  25. 


BRITISH  AMERICA.  33 

L'Islet.  26.  St.  Joseph.  27.  Lotbiniere.  28.  Maskinonge.  29.  Somerset. 
30.  Philipsburg.  31.  St.  Patrick.  32.  Montmagny.  33.  Chateau  Richer. 
34.  Montreal.  35.  Sherrington.  36.  Nicolet.  37.  Aylmer.  38.  Allumettes. 
39.  Cap  Sante.  40.  Quebec.  41.  Sorel.  42.  Rimouski.  43.  St.  Hilaire. 
44.  St.  Pierre.  45.  Granby.  40.  Sherbrooke.  47.  Coteau  du  Lac.  48. 
Stanstead.  40.  St.  Hyacinthe.  50.  St.  Johns.  51.  Three  Rivers.  52. 
Tadousac.  53.  R  du  Loup.  54.  St.  Therese.  55.  St.  Scholastique.  56. 
Vaudreuii.  57.  Varennes.  58.  .  .  .  5(J.  Yamaska. 

CANADA  WEST. 
Canada  West  contains  forty-two  counties  : 

1.  Addington.  15.  Hastings.  29.  Perth. 

2.  Brant.  16.  Huron.  80.  Peterboro. 

3.  Bruce.  17.  Kent.  31.  Prescott. 

4.  Carleton.  18.  Lincoln.  32.  Prince  Edward. 

5.  Durham.  19.  Lanark.  33.  Renfrew. 
<).  Dundas.  20.  Leeds.  34.  Russell. 

7.  Elgin.  21.  Lenox.  35.  Simcoe. 

8.  Essex.  22.  Lambton.  36.  Stormont. 

9.  Frontenac.  23.  Middlesex.  37,  Victoria. 

10.  Glengary.  24.  Northumberland.  88.   Waterloo. 

11.  Grey.  25.  Norfolk.  ::'.>.  Wellington. 

12.  Grenville.  26.  Ontario.  40.  Welland. 

13.  Haldimand.  27.  Oxford.  41.  Wentworth. 

14.  Halton.  2S.  Peel.  42.  York. 

TORONTO,  on  the  northwest  shore  of  Lake  Ontario,  is  the 
most  flourishing  commercial  city  of  Canada  West.  It  has  a  fine 
capacious  harbor,  and  its  manufactures  are  extensive.  This 
was  the  old  capital,  until  the  seat  of  government  was  removed 
to  Ottawa.  Conspicuous  among  the  numerous  handsome  public 
buildings  of  this  city,  are  the  old  Parliament  Houses,  Osgood 
Hall,  Trinity  College  University,  and  the  University  of 
Toronto.  This  city  likewise  contains  many  rich  and  highly 
<>rn;i  minted  churches.  Population  50,000. 

OTTAWA,  on  the  river  of  this  name,  130  miles  west  of 
Montreal,  is  a  thriving  town  with  10,000  inhabitants.  This 
place  was  recently  chosen  by  Queen  Victoria,  as  the  capital 
of  British  America. 

HAMILTON,  at  the  head  of  Burlington  Bay,  at  the  west  end 
of  L;ik<>  Ontario,  has  one  of  the  lim>si  harbors  in  British 
America.  Its  manufactures  are  important.  Population  30,000. 

KINGSTON,  on  Lake  Ontario,  is  the  principal  British  naval 
station  on  the  lake.  It  has  considerable  manufactures,  and 
fine  public  buildings.  Population  16,000. 

LONDON,  on  the  Thames  river,  is  the  entrepot  of  a  fine  agri- 
cultural country,  and  has  extensive  founderies  arid  machine 
shops.  Population  10,000. 

fl* 


34  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND   BOOK. 

COUNTY    CAPITALS. 

1.  Ernestown.  2.  Brantford.  3.  Fenatangore.  4.  OTTAWA.  5.  Newcas- 
tle. 6.  Williamsburg.  7.  St.  Thomas.  8.  Sandwich.  9.  Kingston.  10. 
Alexander.  11.  Sydenham.  12.  Prescott.  13.  Cayuga.  14.  Milton.  15. 
Belleville.  16.  Gooderich.  17.  Chatham.  18.  Niagara.  19.  Perth.  20. 
Brookville.  21.  Napanee.  22.  Port  Sarnia.  23.  London.  24.  Cobourg. 
25.  Simcoe.  26.  Whitby.  27.  Woodstock.  28.  Brampton.  29.  Stratford. 
30.  Peterboro.  31.  L'Orignal.  32.  Picton.  33.  McNab.  34.  Clarence. 
35.  Barrie.  36.  Cornwall.  87.  Lindsay.  38.  Berlin.  39.  Guellph.  40. 
Merritsville.  41.  Hamilton.  42.  Toronto. 

NEW  BRUNSWICK. 

Area  27,000  square  miles.     Population  211,000. 

New  Brunswick  lies  between  the  St.  Lawrence  and  the 
Bay  of  Fundy.  It  is  but  partially  cleared  and  contains  vast 
forests.  Its  soil  is  generally  fertile,  especially  along  the  river 
banks.  The  inhabitants  are  extensively  engaged  in  the 
fisheries  arid  shipbuilding,  which  are  great  sources  of  wealth. 
Lumber  is  the  chief  article  of  export. 

New  Brunswick  is  divided  into  fourteen  counties : 

1.  Albert.  6.  Kings.  11.  Sunbury. 

2.  Carleton.  7.  Northumberland.  12.  Victoria. 

3.  Charlotte.  8.  Queens.  13.  Westmoreland. 

4.  Gloucester.  9.  Restigouche.  14.  York. 

5.  Kent.  10.  St.  John. 

FREDERICTON,  on  the  right  bank  of  the  river  St.  John,  is 
the  capital,  with  6,000  inhabitants.  The  streets  are 
regularly  laid  out,  and  the  houses  are  generally  constructed 
of  wood.  Providence  Hall,  in  which  the  provincial  assembly 
and  courts  of  justice  meet,  is  a  handsome  edifice.  This 
place  was  made  a  port  of  entry  in  1848,  since  which  time  it 
has  become  the  chief  entrepot  of  commerce  with  the  interior. 

ST.  JOHN,  at  the  mouth  of  the  river  of  the  same  name,  has 
a  fine  harbor,  and  monopolizes  the  entire  foreign  commerce 
of  the  province.  Population  26,000. 

ST.  ANDREWS,  at  the  head  of  Passamaquoddy  Bay,  is  a 
place  of  brisk  trade.  Population  10,000. 

COUNTY  CAPITALS. 

1.  Hope  well.  2.  Woodstock.  3.  St.  Andrews.  4.  Bathurst.  5.  Liver- 
pool. G.Kingston.  7.  Miramiclii.  J8.  Gagetown.  9.  Dalhousie.  10.  St. 
John.  11.  Magerville.  12.  Perth.  13.  Dorchester.  14.  FREDERICTON. 


BRITISH  AMERICA.  35 

NOVA  SCOTIA. 

Area  15,627  square  miles.     Population  221,000. 

The  peninsula  so  called,  is  united  to  New  Brunswick,  and 
was  first  settled  by  the  French ;  but  came  by  conquest  into 
the  possession  of  the  British  in  1763.  Along  the  coast  the 
soil  is  poor,  but  in  the  interior  and  northern  parts,  it  is  gener- 
ally well  adapted'to  cultivation.  Wheat,  barley  and  rye,  with 
potatoes  of  the  finest  quality,  are  grown.  Coal  and  plaster 
of  paris  are  obtained  in  great  quantities,  and  extensively  ex- 
ported. Copper,  iron  and  other  metals  also  abound. 

Nova  Scotia,  with  Cape  Breton,  is  divided  into  18  counties : 

1.  Annapolis.  7.   Halifax.  13.  Queens. 

2.  *Cape  Breton.  8.  Hants.  14.  *  Richmond. 

3.  Colchester.  9.  ^Inverness.  15.  Shelburne. 

4.  Cumberland.  10.   Kings.  l(j.  Sydney. 

5.  Digby.  11.  Lunenburg.  17.  ^Victoria. 
G.  Guysborough.  12.  Pictou.  18.  Yarmouth. 

HALIFAX  the  capital,  has  one  of  the  best  harbors  in  the 
world,  which  is  defended  by  strong  forts  and  batteries.  It  is 
the  principal  naval  station  of  the  British  American  colonies. 
The  Province  Building  in  which  are  the  government  offices, 
the  legislative  chambers  and  the  city  library,  is  a  superb  edi- 
fice of  freestone,  140  feet  long  and  70  broad,  with  an  Ionic 
colonnade.  This  city  was  founded  by  the  Earl  of  Halifax  in 
1749,  and  in  1859  was  visited  by  a  severe  conflagration,  which 
consumed  much  property.  Population  40,000. 

COUNTY  CAPITALS. 

1.  Annapolis.  2.  Sydney.  3.  Truro.  4.  Amherst.  5.  Digby.  6.  Guys- 
borough.  7.  HALIFAX.  8.  Windsor.  9.  Port  Hood.  10.  Kentville.  11. 
Lunenburg.  12.  Pictou.  13.  Liverpool.  14.  Arichat.  15.  Shelburne.  1(5. 
Antigonish.  17.  Bedcquc.  18.  Yarmouth. 

CAPE  BRETON. 

Area  3,120  square  miles.     Population  55,000. 

Cape  Breton  is  a  small  island,  separated  from  Nova  Scotia 
by  the  gut  or  strait  of  Canso.  It  contains  rich  coal  mines 
and  also  extensive  cod  fisheries.  This  island  is  politically 
united  with  Nova  Scotia, 

SYDNEY  is  the  capital.  In  the  vicinity  of  Sydney,  are  the 
famous  coal  mines,  estimated  to  contain  250  miles  of  work, 
able  coal. 

^Situated  on  the  island  of  Cape  Breton. 


86  GEOGRAPHICAL   HAND  BOOK. 

NEWFOUNDLAND. 

Area  35,000  square  miles.     Population  100,000. 

This  is  a  large  island  at  the  mouth  of  the  Gulf  of  St. 
Lawrence.  Its  soil  is  mostly  barren  and  contains  little  tim- 
ber. It  owes  its  importance  chiefly  to  its  cod  fisheries,  which 
are  the  most  valuable  in  the  world. 

ST.  JOHNS,  the  capital  of  the  colony,  is  the  most  eastern 
town  in  North  America.  It  has  an  excellent  harbor,  and  is 
the  chief  emporium  for  the  cod  fish  trade.  The  city  is  hand- 
somely laid  out  and  well  built,  the  houses  being  mostly  of 
brick  or  stone,  and  in  general  they  present  an  elegant  appear- 
ance. The  most  handsome  edifices  are  the  Episcopal  and 
Presbyterian  churches,  the  Marine  Hospital,  and  the  Govern- 
ment State  Houses.  Population  22,000. 

HARBOR  GRACE  and  PLACENTIA  are  small  towns. 

PRINCE  EDWARD'S  ISLAND. 

Area  2,134  square  miles.     Population  90,000. 

This  island  lies  east  of  New  Brunswick.  Its  surface  is 
level,  and  its  soil  fertile  and  well  irrigated. 

CHARLOTTETOWN  is  the  capital.  The  principal  buildings 
are  the  Government  House,  Episcopal  and  Scotch  Churches, 
and  the  Barracks,  Population  5,000. 


THE  UNITED  STATES. 


Area  2,936,000  square  miles.     Population  31,421,000. 

The  Federal  Republic,  or  the  United  States,  is  by  far  the 
most  important  portion  of  North  America,  and  consists  of  34 
States,  8  Territories  and  one  District.  These  States  are 
leagued  together  into  a  confederate  compact,  for  mutual 
benefit  and  protection  ;  and  the  American  Union  presents 
the  fairest  specimen  of  a  republican  government  that  has 
ever  yet  existed.  Each  State  has  its  own  individual  laws, 
and  officers  of  government;  but  the  affairs  of  the  Union  or 
general  government  are  regulated  by  the  Federal  Congress, 
composed  of  two  houses,  the  Senate  and  House  of  Represen- 
tatives. The  Senate  consists  of  two  Senators  from  each 
State  ;  and  the  House  of  Representatives,  of  members  chosen 
by  the  different  States  according  to  population.  The  Execu- 
tive Power  of  the  Federal  Government  is  vested  in  a  President, 
who  is  chosen  by  a  majority  of  electors  from  all  the  States  of 
the  Union.  Soon  after  the  American  Revolution,  the 
Federal  Constitution  was  formed  by  delegates  from  the  13 
original  States.  New  States  have  been  added  from  time  to 
time,  until  the  republic  now  comprises  34,  besided  a  vast 
extent  of  territory,  sufficient  to  form  a  number  equal  to  those 
already  admitted.  The  States  of  the  Union  are  usually 
allotted  arid  described  under  different  groups  as:  6  Eastern, 
4  Middle,  10  Southern  and  14  Western  States. 

EASTERN    STATES. 

Area  66,116  square  miles.     Population  3,134,000. 

The  Eastern  or  New  England  States,  including  Maine, 
New  Hampshire,  Vermont,  Massachusetts,  Rhode  Island  ;unl 
Connecticut,  are  all  situated  east  of  the  Hudson  rivrr  and 
stretch  along  the  coast  from  Long  Island  Sound  to  the  Bay 


38  GEOGRAPHICAL   HAND  BOOK. 

of  Fundy.  They  are  distinguished  for  the  infinite  variety 
of  their  surface,  and  for  their  beautiful  lakes, rivers  and  delight- 
ful mountain  scenery.  The  land  along  the  coast  is  princi- 
pally level,  but  in  the  interior  it  is  diversified  Avith  numerous 
hills,  mountains  and  valleys;  no  plains  of  any  considerable 
extent  being  met  with.  The  soil  is  in  many  places  good ; 
but  greater  care  is  required  to  insure  good  crops  here,  than  in 
other  sections  of  the  country.  It  is  better  adapted  for  grazing 
than  agriculture.  Large  quantities  of  grass,  corn,  wheat  and 
other  grains  are  cultivated,  but  the  farmer  bestows  the  great- 
est attention  to  the  raising  of  cattle,  horses,  sheep  and  swine. 
Apples,  pears,  peaches  and  plums,  are  grown  in  great  abun- 
dance, especially  in  the  southern  parts.  Many  of  the  inhab- 
itants of  these  States  are  engaged  in  the  whale,  herring  and 
cod  fisheries.  The  manufactures  of  the  Eastern  States  are 
very  extensive,  embracing  a  great  variety  of  articles,  and 
their  large  commerce  is  constantly  increasing.  Massachusetts, 
Connecticut,  Rhode  Island  and  New  Hampshire,  are  largely 
engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  cotton  and  woolen  goods, 
hats,  shoes,  clocks,  iron,  tinware,  and  numerous  other  arti- 
cles. Of  exports,  lumber,  pot  and  pearl  ashes  and  fish,  are 
the  most  important.  Railroads  are  numerous  and  extend 
through  all  parts  of  New  England. 

In  no  other  part  of  the  Avorld,  perhaps,  is  knowledge  so 
generally  diffused  among  all  classes,  as  in  the  Eastern  States, 
and  this  is  owing  to  the  universal  provision  made  for  the 
education  of  all  persons.  All  the  inhabitants  are  instructed 
in  the  ordinary  branches  of  common  school  education,  and 
it  is  an  anomaly  to  meet  a  person  of  New  England  origin, 
who  is  unable  to  read  and  write,  and  who  has  not  also  a 
practical  knowledge  of  arithmetic.  In  addition  to  the  com- 
mon schools,  the  Eastern  States  are  abundantly  supplied  with 
high  schools,  academies  and  colleges,  some  of  the  latter 
standing  at  the  head  of  Jhe  literary  institutions  of  the  country. 
The  inhabitants  of  these  States  are  intelligent,  industrious 
and  enterprising.  They  hold  rank  amongst  the  foremost  in 
each  of  the  learned  professions ;  and  with  the  best  mechan- 
ics, farmers  and  seamen  in  the  whole  union. 

MAINE. 

Area  33,000  square  miles.     Population  628,000. 
Maine  is  the  most  eastern  and  one  of  the  most  northern 


UNITED     STATES.  39 

States  of  the  American  Union.  It  once  formed  a  part  of 
Massachusetts,  and  its  separate  existence  dates  from  1820,  in 
which  year  it  was  admitted  as  a  sovereign  State.  The  first 
permanent  settlement  was  made  within  the  borders  of  Maine 
at  Saco,  in  1623.  This  State  was  the  scene  of  the  celebrated 
march  of  Arnold  and  his  troops  against  Quebec,  over  the 
unexplored  wilderness,  in  the  year  1775,  one  of  the  most 
remarkable  events  of  the  American  Revolution.  The  diffi- 
culty respecting  its  boundary  was  terminated  by  treaty  in 
1842,  by  the  cession  of  a  small  part  of  its  territory  to  Great 
Britain  in  lieu  of  certain  privileges  granted  by  the  British 
Government.  It  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Canada  East, 
east  by  New  Brunswick  and  the  Atlantic,  south  by  the 
Atlantic,  and  west  by  New  Hampshire  and  Canada  East, 
and  it  has  16  counties. 

Surface,  8?c. — A  range  of  mountains  called  the  Main 
Ridge,  runs  from  the  northern  extremity  of  New  Hampshire 
to  the  northwestern  extremity  of  the  State,  and  forms  a  part 
of  the  western  boundary.  Some  of  the  peaks  of  this 
chain  rise  to  the  height  of  4,000  feet.  Mount  Katahdin, 
a  rugged  and  isolated  peak  in  the  interior,  has  an 
elevation  of  5,385  feet.  In  general  the  surface  of  this  State 
is  hilly.  Along  the  sea  coast  arid  on  the  banks  of  rivers,  lie 
some  small  plains,  but  the  great  portion  of  the  State  is  vari- 
ously diversified  with  hills  and  dales.  The  soil  is  sterile  in 
the  mountainous  portions,  but  fertile  in  the  valleys. 

Rivers. — The  principal  rivers  are  the  Kennebec,  which  takes 
its  source  in  Moosehead  lake ;  the  Penobscot,  the  Jlndroscog- 
gin  and  the  Saco,  all  flowing  south  into  the  Atlantic,  The 
river  St.  Croix  forms  part  of  the  boundary  with  New  Bruns- 
wick, and  flows  likewise  into  the  Atlantic. 

Lakes. — Many  lakes  are  found  in  this  State,  the  largest  of 
which  are:  Moosehead,  50  miles  long  and  12  wide;  Umba- 
gog,  15  long  and  10  wide;  Chesuncook,  20  long  and  2  wide, 
besides  numerous  smaller  ones. 

Climate. — The  winters  are  very  severe,  the  ground  being 
covered  with  snow,  usually  from  3  to  4  months  in  the  year. 
The  rivers  are  closed  with  ice  during  the  same  length  of  time. 
In  the  mountainous  districts  snow  falls  to  the  depth  of  5 
feet  The  summers  are  hot,  but  too  short  for  the  successful 
cultivation  of  some  products  grown  in  the  northern  states, 


40  GEOGRAPHICAL   HAND   BOOK. 

such  as  Indian  corn.  The  climate  however,  is  very 
healthy. 

Products.  Immense  forests  grow  in  the  northern  and 
central  parts,  yielding  great  quantities  of  timber,  which  is  the 
chief  source  of  wealth.  The  principal  forest  trees  are : 
pine,  spruce,  hemlock,  maple,  birch,  beech  and  ash.  Apple, 
pear,  plum,  and  cherry  trees  thrive  here, but  the  peach  in  gen- 
eral has  failed.  Deers,  wolves,  catamounts,  beavers,  martens, 
and  sables  are  yet  found  in  the  forests  ;  abundance  of  wild 
geese,  ducks  and  eagles  are  caught.  Great,  quantities  of  mack- 
erel and  herring  are  caught  on  the  coast,  and  the  rivers  con- 
tain salmon  and  trout. 

Manufactures.  Maine  is  less  extensively  engaged  in  man- 
ufactures than  some  of  the  other  New  England  states,  but 
owing  to  the  abundance  of  timber  supplied  by  her  forests,  a 
greater  number  of  ships  are  built  here  than  in  any  other  state 
of  the  Union. 

Education.  This  State  has  a  very  finely  established  system 
of  schools  for  public  instruction,  and  she  supports  these  with 
considerable  liberality.  Her  superior  educational  institutions 
are:  Bowdoin  College,  ar  Brunswick,  founded  in  1794;  and, 
Waterville  College,  at  the  town  of  the  same  name,  in  1820  ;  of 
the  former  it  may  be  remarked  that  it  ranks  amongst  the  fore- 
most Colleges  in  the  country. 

Government.  The  Governor  of  this  ^State,  as  also  the 
Senate  of  31  members,  and  the  House  of  Representatives  of 
151,  are  chosen  annually. 

COUNTIES. 

1.  Androscoggin.  7.  Knox.  12.  Sagadaliock. 

2.  Aroostook.  8.  Lincoln.  13.  Somerset. 

3.  Cumberland.  9.  Oxford.  14.  Waldo. 

4.  Franklin.  10.  Penobscot.  15.  Washington. 

5.  Hancock.  11.  Piscataquis.  16.  York. 

6.  Kennebec. 

AUGUSTA,  the  capital,  situated  on  the  west  side  of  the  Ken- 
nebec river  43  miles  from  its  mouth,  has  a  hospital  for  the  in- 
sane, and  manufactures  of  cotton  and  woolen  goods.  It  stands 
in  the  centre  of  a  beautiful  and  fertile  country,  and  is  noted  for 
the  elegance  of  its  public  buildings,  and  the  increaseof  its  pop- 
ulation. The  capitol,  a  noble  structure  of  whitish  marble  at  the 
southern  extremity  of  the  city,  occupies  a  position  command- 
ding  a  wide  and  extensive  prospect.  In  front  of  the  State 


UNITED    STATES.  41 

House  is  a  spacious  park,  handsomely  laid  out  with  walks, 
and  ornamented  with  shade  trees.  On  the  east  side  of  the  ri- 
ver stands  the  United  States  Arsenal,  enclosed  by  a  neat  iron 
fence.  Population  15,000. 

PORTLAND,  is  a  flourishing  and  handsome  city,  situated 
upon  a  peninsula  in  Casco  Bay.  It  has  a  capacious  harbor, 
defended  by  two  forts,  and  its  commerce  is  greater  than  that 
of  any  other  city  in  the  State.  The  facilities  of  this  place 
for  foreign  and  inland  trade  are  excellent,  and  its  ship 
building  extensive.  It  contains  several  scientific  and  literary 
institutions,  and  it  is  handsomely  ornamented  with  shade 
trees.  Portland  was  settled  by  an  English  colony  in  1632, 
and  during  the  Indian  and  French  wars,  was  three  times  en- 
tirely destroyed.  Population  26,000. 

BANGOR,  on  the  right  bank  of  the  Penobscot,  60  miles  from 
its  mouth,  is  one  of  the  greatest  lumber  depots  in  the  world. 
It  has  a  fine  location ;  and  its  inhabitants  are  extensively 
engaged  in  foreign  commerce,  the  coast  trade  and  ship  build- 
ing. Its  manufactures  are  considerable.  Population  16,000. 

BATH,  on  the  Kennebec,  12  miles  from  the  ocean,  is  one  of 
the  largest  ship  building  ports  in  the  United  States.  Popula- 
tion 15,000. 

BIDDEFORD,  on  the  Saco  river,  6  miles  from  its  mouth,  has 
extensive  manufactories  of  cotton  and  woolen  goods.  Pop- 
ulation 10,000. 

SACO,  opposite  the  above  and  united  to  it  by  bridge,  is  also 
a  great  manufacturing  place.  Population  7,000. 

BELFAST,  at  the  head  of  Penobscot  Bay,  30  miles  from  the 
ocean,  has  a  harbor  sufficiently  capacious  for  vessels  of  the 
largest  size.  Lumber  is  the  chief  article  of  export.  Popula- 
tion 6,000. 

CALAIS,  at  the  head  of  the  St.  Croix  navigation,  carries  on 
a  brisk  lumber  trade.  Population  6,000. 

ROCKLAND,  is  a  flourishing  town  on  the  southwest  side  of 
the  Penobscot  Bay.  Its  principal  establishments  are  saw- 
mills, paper  mills  and  machine  shops.  Population  10,000. 

LKWISTON,  in  Androscoggin  County,  on  the  river  BO  named,  is  one  of  the 
most  extensive  manufacturing  towns  in  the  State.  The  river  here  has  a 
fall  of  60  feet  in  15  rods,  furnishing  water  power  equal  to  any  in  New 
England.  Population  8,000. 

CASTIXE,  situated  on  the  east  side  of  Penobscot  Bay,  at  the  entrance  of 
the  river  so  named,  3-4  miles  south  of  Bangor,  is  noted  for  its  fisheries  and 
ship  building.  It  was  first  settled  by  the  French  in  1667. 


\ 

42  GEOGRAPHICAL   HAND   BOOK. 

MACHIAS,  situated  near  the  mouth  of  Machias  river,  is  chiefly  engaged  in 
the  coasting  trade  and  ship  building. 

WATERVILLE,  on  the  Kennebec,  18  miles  above  Augusta,  is 
the  seat  of  Bowdoin  College,  with  5,000  inhabitants. 

THOMASTON,  in  Lincoln  county,  contains  the  State  prison. 
The  plan  of  the  prison  and  discipline  are  similar  to  those 
of  the  Auburn  prison  in  New  York  State. 

COUNTY     CAPITALS. 

1.  Lewiston.  2.  Houlton.  3.  Portland.  4.  Farmington.  5.  Ellsworth, 
fi.  AUGUSTA.  7.  Wai'ren.  8.  Wicasset.  9.  Paris.  10.  Bangor.  11.  Dover. 
12.  Bath.  13.  Norridgewock.  14.  Belfast.  15.  Machias.  16.  Alfred. 

NEW  HAMPSHIRE. 

Area  9,280  square  miles.     Population  326,000. 

New  Hampshire  is  one  of  the  most  interesting  States  of 
the  Union,  on  account  of  its  varied  scenery,  its  mountains, 
lakes,  rivers  and  cascades.  This  State  was  first  settled  at 
Dover  and  Portsmouth  in  1623,  and  it  bore  a  conspicuous 
part  during  the  American  Revolution. 

It  is  bounded  north  by  Canada,  east  by  Maine  and  the 
Atlantic,  south  by  Massachusetts  and  west  by  Vermont. 
It  is  divided  into  10  counties. 

Surface,  fyc. — Between  the  Merrimac  and  Connecticut 
rivers,  in  the  southwest  of  the  State,  a  ridge  of  mountains 
runs  north,  the  highest  peak  of  which,  called  Moosehillock,  is 
4,636  feet  high.  This  ridge  in  the  north  ri^es  much  higher 
and  goes  under  the  name  of  the  White  Mountains,  the  lof- 
tiest summit  of  which  has  an  altitude  of  6,428  feet.  The 
mountain  scenery  of  this  State  is  very  romantic,  and  with 
the  exception  of  Niagara  Falls  attracts  more  tourists  than 
any  other  natural  object  in  the  United  States.  The  moun- 
tainous regions  are  called  the  "  American  Switzerland." 

Rivers. — The  Connecticut,  the  largest  river,  has  its  source  in 
this  State,  and  forms  its  western  boundary  with  Vermont. 
The  Merrimac  also  rises  here,  flows  south,  and  afterwards 
bends  eastward  and  empties  into  the  Atlantic. 

Lakes. — Winnipiseogee  lake  is  the  largest  and  most  beauti- 
ful ;  it  is  25  miles  long,  and  from  1  to  10  wide,  and  contains 
360  islands.  Umbagog  is  18  miles  long  and  10  wide. 

Climate. — The  climate  is  severe,  being  somewhat  colder  than 
that  of  Maine, but  more  steady.  The  heat  of  summer  is  some- 


UNITED    STATES.  43 

times  very  great ;  and  the  cold  of  winter  has  been  so  intense 
as  to  freeze  mercury.  In  the  vicinity  of  the  White  mountains 
the  winters  are  excessively  cold,  and  the  peaks  are  covered 
with  snow  during  9  and  10  months  of  the  year.  The  State 
is  very  healthy. 

Products. — The  native  forest  trees  are:  the  oak,  pine,  hem- 
lock, ash,  beech  and  birch.  The  white  pine  grows  here  some- 
times to  the  enormous  height  of  200  feet,  and  has  a  diameter 
of  from  6  to  7  feet.  Great  quantities  of  lumber  are  exported. 
Wild  fowl  and  game  are  abundant  in  the  forests,  and  the  riv- 
ers and  lakes  contain  large  numbers  of  fish. 

Manufactures. — The  excellent  hydraulic  power  furnished  by 
the  Merrimac  and  Cocheco  rivers,  has  enabled  the  people  of 
New  Hampshire  to  carry  manufacturing  to  a  high  pitch  of 
activity ;  of  this,  her  extensive  manufactories  of  cotton  and 
woolen  goods  and  of  iron  and  leather,  are  sufficient  evidence. 

Education. — Popular  education  is  greatly  encouraged  by 
the  people  of  New  Hampshire,  and  her  citizens  rank  amongst 
the  best  educated  in  the  whole  country.  Dartmouth  College 
at  Hanover,  founded  1769,  is  the  only  institution  of  this  class 
in  the  State,  and  is  justly  regarded  as  one  of  the  most  excel- 
lent in  the  Union. 

Curiosities. — Besides  the  mountain  scenery  in  this  State, 
the  passage  of  the  Saco  river,  called  the  Notch,  2  miles  long, 
and  only  22  feet  wide ;  Bellows  Falls,  in  the  Connecticut 
river;  Jlmoskeag  Falls,  in  the  Merrimac;  and  Profile  Moun- 
tain, a  rugged  peak  1000  feet  high,  exhibiting  the  features  of 
the  human  face,  are  objects  of  noted  celebrity. 

Government. — No  person  can  be  Governor,  Senator  or 
Representative  in  this  State,  unless  he  conform  to  some  sect 
of  protestantism.  The  Governor,  Senate  of  12  members, 
and  House  of  Representatives  of  286  members,  are  all 
elected  annually. 

COUNTIES. 

1.  Belknap.  5.  Grafton.  8.  Rockingham. 

2.  Carroll.  6.  Hillsborougb.  9.  Stratford. 

3.  Cheshire.  7.  Merrimac.  10.  Sullivan. 

4.  Coos. 

CONCORD,  the  seat  of  government,  is  situated  on  the  Merri- 
mac, 50  miles  from  the  Atlantic,  and  contains  the  State  Prison 


44  GEOGRAPHICAL   HAND   BOOK. 

and  the  Insane  Asylum ;  it  is  noted  for  its  carriage  manu 
factories.  The  vehicles  manufactured  at  this  place,  are  seen 
in  every  state  of  the  Union,  and  in  Canada,  Mexico,  Central 
and  South  America.  ,  The  State  House  stands  in  a  handsome 
common,  planted  with  beautiful  shade  trees.  It  is  built  of 
hewn  granite,  is  126  feet  long,  49  wide,  and  two  stories  high 
above  the  basement.  The  business  of  the  city,  which  is  im- 
portant and  rapidly  increasing,  centres  principally  in  Boston. 
Population  11,000. 

MANCHESTER,  on  the  Merrimac  river,  25  miles  southeast  of 
Concord,  is  a  great  manufacturing  place,  containing  some  of 
the  largest  cotton  mills  in  the  world  ;  also  extensive  machine 
shops,  foundries  and  paper  mills.  Population  30,000. 

PORTSMOUTH,  situated  at  the  mouth  of  the  Piscataqua  river, 
3  miles  from  the  ocean,  is  the  only  seaport  in  the  State.  It 
has  one  of  the  finest  harbors  in  the  world,  accessible  to  the 
largest  ships.  Ship  building  is  extensively  carried  on  at  this 
place.  Population  12,000. 

DOVER,  situated  on  the  Cocheco  river,  4  miles  from  its  junc- 
tion with  the  Piscataqua,  is  the  oldest  settled  town  in  the 
State,  and  has  considerable  manufactures.  Population  10,000. 

NASHUA,  situated  at  the  confluence  of  the  river  of  the  same 
name  with  the  Merrimac,  is  distinguished  for  the  extent  and 
variety  of  its  manufactures.  Population  10,000. 

HANOVER,  is  pleasantly  located  on  the  Connecticut,  and  is 
the  seat  of  Dartmouth  college. 

EXETER,  situated  on  a  river  of  its  own  name,  manufactures 
great  numbers  of  carriages.  Here  the  celebrated  Phillips' 
Academy,  founded  in  1781,  is  located.  Population  4,000. 

NASHVILLE,  in  Hillsboro  county,  is  extensively  engaged  in 
the  manufacture  of  cotton  sheeting  and  shirting. 

GREAT  FALLS,  situated  in  Strafford  county,  is  one  of  the 
most  extensive  cotton  manufacturing  towns  in  the  State. 

COUNTY   CAPITALS. 

1.  Gilford.  2.  Ossippee.  8.  Keene.  4.  Lancaster.  5.  Haverhill  and 
Plymouth.  6.  Amherst.  7.  CONCORD.  8.  Portsmouth  and  Exeter.  9.  Po- 
ver.  10.  Newport. 

VERMONT. 

Area,  10,000  square  miles.     Population  315,000. 

This  State  derives  its  name  from  the  Green  Mountains,  by 


tTNITED    STATES.  45 

which  it  is  traversed.  It  was  first  explored  by  the  French 
from  Canada,  but  the  earliest  settlement  was  made  at  Fort 
Dummer,  in  1724,  by  colonists  from  Massachusetts.  The 
people  of  this  State  distinguished  themselves  by  their  valor 
during  the  American  Revolution,  and  the  name  of  "  Green 
Mountain  boys,"  acquired  during  that  struggle,  has  ever  been 
remembered  as  a  title  of  renown  and  patriotism.  The  State 
was  admitted  into  the  Union  in  1791. 

It  is  bounded  north  by  Canada,  east  by  New  Hampshire, 
south  by  Massachusetts,  and  west  by  New  York,  and  contains 
14  counties. 

Surface,  fyc. — The  Green  Mountains  run  through  this 
State,  dividing  it  into  the  eastern  and  western  declivities.  In 
the  northern  part  these  divide  into  two  branches ;  the  one 
called  the  Height  of  Land,  running  in  a  northeastern  course, 
forms  the  boundary  of  New  Hampshire  and  Maine;  the  other 
branch,  stretching  north,  terminates  near  the  extremity  of  the 
State.  The  State  is  greatly  diversified  with  hills  and  valleys. 
The  surface  slopes  from  the  mountainous  chain  which  occu- 
pies the  centre,  to  the  Connecticut  and  Lake  Champlain. 
Some  plains  lie  along  the  rivers,  but  the  State  is  in  general 
elevated,  and  is  one  of  the  most  picturesque  regions  of  North 
America.  The  soil  is  rich  and  fertile. 

Rivers. — The  Connecticut  forms  its  eastern  boundary,  and 
is  the  only  river  of  importance,  the  remaining  streams  being 
small. 

Lakes. — The  largest  is  Lake  Champlain,  128  miles  long, 
and  from  1  to  15  miles  wide.  On  the  llth  of  September,  1814, 
a  naval  engagement  was  fought  upon  this  lake,  between  the 
Americans  and  English,  in  which  the  former  were  victorious. 
Lake  Memphremagog,  lies  partly  in  Canada  and  partly  in  this 
State,  and  is  35  miles  long  and  3  wide. 

Climate. — The  climate  of  Vermont  is  very  cold  and  vari- 
able, but  its  purity  and  salubrity  compensate  for  the  severity. 
The  winters  continue  from  the  beginning  of  December,  until 
April ;  the  cold  is  more  uniform  than  in  the  other  eastern 
states.  The  summers  are  very  fair  and  serene. 

Products. — The  principal  products  are  wheat,  rye,  barley, 
oats,  peas,  rlax  and  potatoes.  Wheat  flourishes  best  west  of 
the  Green  Mountains.  Horses,  cattle  and  sheep  are  raised  in 
abundance.  This  State  possesses  extensive  mines  of  iron, 
copper,  lead  and  numerous  marble  quarries. 


46  GEOGOAPHICAL  HAND    BOOK. 

Manufactures. — Vermont  is  less  engaged  in  manufacturing 
than  the  rest  of  the  New  England  states ;  yet,  her  industry  in 
this  particular  is  by  no  means  so  insignificant  as  to  be  totally 
overlooked.  One  of  the  most  extensive  manufactories  of  pat- 
ent weighing  scales  in  the  Union,  is  in  this  State. 

Education. — The  universities  of  Vermont  and  Norwich, 
founded,  the  former  in  1791,  the  latter  in  1834,  and  Middle- 
bury  College,  founded  in  1800,  are  the  leading  institutions  of 
literature  in  the  Green  Mountain  State. 

Government. — The  Governor,  Lieutenant  Governor,  and 
also  the  members  of  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives, 
are  elected  annually  by  popular}  vote.  The  Senate  is 
composed  of  30  and  the  House  of  Representatives  of  230 
members. 

COUNTIES. 

1.  Addison.  6.  Franklin.  11.  Rutland. 

2.  Bennington.  7.  Grand  Isle.  12.  Washington. 

3.  Caledonia.  8.  Lamoille.  13.  Windham. 

4.  Chittendcn.  9.  Orleans.  14.  Windsor. 

5.  Essex.  10.  Orange. 

This  State  includes  no  large  cities  within  its  limits. 

MONTPELIER,  the  capital,  is  situated  on  Onion  river,  43 
miles  from  its  mouth,  and  is  a  flourishing  town,  containing 
the  State  Capitol  and  other  handsome  buildings.  The  State 
House  is  a  magnificent  granite  edifice,  built  in  the  form  of  a 
cross,  150  feet  long  and  100  deep,including  the  portico,  which 
consists  of  6  columns  each  6  feet  in  diameter  at  the  base,  and 
36  feet  high.  The  building  is  crowned  by  a  dome,  the  apex 
of  which  is  100  feet  high.  Population  4,000. 

BURLINGTON,  on  lake  Champlain,  is  a  flourishing  commer- 
cial town.  It  is  the  largest  town  in  the  State,  and  occupies  a 
location  not  surpassed  for  beauty  by  any  in  the  New  Eng- 
land States.  Burlington  was  settled  in  1783.  Population 
10,000. 

RUTLAND,  is  pleasantly  situated  on  Otter  creek,  and  is  the 
centre  of  trade  for  a  large  section  of  country.  Population  8,000. 

WINDSOR,  on  the  Connecticut  river,  60  miles  southeast  of 
the  Capital,  is  a  beautiful  town,  and  carries  on  an  extensive 
trade.  It  is  the  seat  of  the  Vermont  state  prison.  The  lofty 
Mount  JLscutney,  affords  a  magnificent  prospect  of  the 
surrounding  country  from  its  summit. 


UNITED    STATES.  47 

BENNINGTON,  near  the  south  west  corner  of  the  State,  is 
noted  in  revolutionary  annals,  for  the  victory  obtained  by 
Gen.  Stark,  over  a  detachment  of  Burgoyne's  army,  August 
16th,  1777. 

BRATTLEBOROUGH,  on  the  Connecticut,  below  Windsor, 
contains  the  State  Lunatic  Asylum.  A  bridge  across  the 
Connecticut  unites  this  place  with  Hinsdale,  in  New  Hamp- 
shire. 

MIDDLEBURY,  is  one  of  the  most  important  manufacturing 
towns  in  the  state,  and  the  seat  of  Middlebury  College. 

VERGENNES,  situated  on  Otter  Creek,  7  miles  from  its  entrance  into  Lake 
Charnplain,  is  admirably  located  for  ship  building.  It  contains  a  United 
States  Arsenal,  the  only  establishment  of  the  kind  in  the  State  belonging  to 
the  Federal  Government.  Here  the  flotilla  which  was  commanded  by 
Commadore  McDonough  and  which  captured  the  British  fleet  on  Lake  Cham- 
plain,  September  llth,  1814,  was  fitted  out. 

NORWICH,  in  Windsor  County,  has  manufactures  of  boots,  shoes,  leather 
and  cabinet  ware. 

COUNTY  CAPITALS. 

1.  Middlebury.  2.  Bennington  and  Manchester.  8.  Danville.  4.  Bur- 
lington. 5.  Guildhall.  G.  St.  Albans.  7.  North  Hero.  8.  Hyde  Park. 
9.  Irasburg.  10.  Chelsea.  11.  Rutland.  12.  MOXTPELIEH.  13.  Xcwfane. 
14.  Woodstock. 

MASSACHUSETTS. 

Area  7,800  square  miles.     Population  1,231,000. 

Massachusetts  is  the  oldest,  and  although  small  in  territory, 
by  far  the  most  important  of  the  Eastern  States.  It  was  first 
settled  by  the  Pilgrim  Fathers,  who  landed  on  Plymouth 
rock,  December  22d,  1620.  The  spark  of  liberty  borne  in 
the  Mayflower  bark,  ignited  in  the  battle  of  Lexington,  1775, 
the  torch  of  of  the  American  Revolution,  which  blazed  until 
the  independence  of  the  then  United  Colonies  was  secured. 
To  this  state  belongs  the  honor  of  the  first  establishment  of 
common  school  education.  Her  high  educational  institutions 
are  among  the  best  in  the  country,  and  she  has  given  birth  to 
a  larger  number  of  eminent  authors,  inventors  and  statesmen, 
than  any  other  State  in  the  whole  confederacy.  She  is  one 
of  the  original  13  States,  and  is  bounded,  north  by  Ver- 
mont and  New  Hampshire,  east  by  the  Atlantic,  south  by 
the  same  and  the  States  of  Rhode  Island  and  Connecticut, 
and  west  by  New  York.  It  contains  14  counties. 

Surface,  fyc. — The  Green  Mountains  of  Vermont  enter  the 
north  of  this  State,  under  the  name  of  the  Hoosac  and 


48  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND   BOOK. 

Taugkannic  Mountains,  and  extend  into  Connecticut. 
The  highest  peaks  of  these,  are  Saddle  Mountain,  3,600  feet 
high,  and  Taugkannic  Mountain,  3,000  feet.  The  isolated 
peaks  of  Mount  Torn  and  Mount  Holyoke  have  elevations, 
the  former  1,200  and.  the  latter  910  feet.  This  latter  peak  is 
greatly  visited  for  the  beauty  of  its  charming  prospect.  The 
•western  portion  of  this  State  is  mountainous,  but  not  very 
elevated ;  the  middle  and  northwestern  lie  lower  and  are 
uneven  and  broken  in  surface.  The  southeastern  part  is 
low,  level  and  sandy.  The  best  soil  is  in  the  middle  and 
western  parts  and  in  the  valleys  of  her  rivers  ;  the  low,  level, 
southeastern  part,  is  composed  of  the  poorest  soil. 

Rivers.— The  Connecticut,  flows  south  through  this  State 
and  receives  within  its. limits  the  Westfield  on  the  west  and 
the  Chicopee  on  the  east,  as  affluents.  The  remaining 
rivers,  except  the  Merrimac,  which  flows  through  the  north- 
eastern part  of  the  State,  are  small  streams. 

Islands. — Nantucket  and  Martha's  Vineyard  are  the  prin- 
cipal islands  upon  the  coast,  and  these  are  noted  for  their 
whale  and  other  fisheries.  The  former  has  an  area  of  50, 
the  latter  85  square  miles. 

Climate. — The  winters  here  are  severe,  and  snow  covers 
the  earth  every  season,  to  the  depth  of  several  feet.  The 
cold  is  most  excessive  in  February,  and  the  rivers  are  frozen 
over  during  2  or  3  months.  The  heat  of  summer  is  at  times 
very  great ;  but  like  the  cold  of  winter,  continues  only  a  few 
days.  Spring  sets  in,  about  one  week  earlier  than  in  New 
Hampshire. 

Products. — This  State  does  not  raise  grain  sufficient  for 
home  consumption.  The  most  important  products,  like  those 
of  the  other  Eastern  States,  are  corn,  oats,  potatoes,  rye,  bar- 
ley, buckwheat,  fruits,  butter,  cheese,  hay,  maple  sugar,  and 
live  stock. 

Manufactures. — Massachusetts,  is  the  greatest  manufactu- 
ring state  of  the  Union,  and  her  cities  and  towns  are  filled  with 
a  population  who  depend  upon  the  various  manufacturing 
interests  of  the  State  for  their  support  and  wealth  ;  the  cotton 
and  woolen  manufactures  give  direct  employment  to  a  large 
number  of  her  people. 

Curiosities. — After  the  picturesque  grandeur  and  sublimity 
of  the  mountain  prospects,  and  the  variety  of  her  beautiful 
landscapes,  Massachusetts  is  yet  prolific  in  her  attractive 


UNITED    STATES.  49 

stores  of  nature.  Some  of  these  are  :  the  Ice  Hole,  a  wild  ra- 
vine of  Stockbridge,  where  the  ice  never  melts  ;  the  Falls  of 
the  Housatonic,  in  Dalton  ;  the  Natural  Bridge,  on  Hudson's 
Brook,  in  Adams  county;  the  Great  Rock,  in  Marlborough, 
so  equally  balanced  as  to  be  moved  by  a  finger ;  and  Hang- 
ing Mountain,  on  the  Farmington  river. 

Education. — To  Massachusetts  belongs  the  distinguished 
honor  of  having  first  conceived  arid  inaugurated  the  system 
of  general  education  among  the  masses,  by  means  of  common 
schools  ;  a  plan,  by  the  instrumentality  of  which,  knowledge 
is  furnished  to  the  humblest  as  well  as  to  the  wealthiest  in 
the  land ;  and  this  same  system  has  extended  itself  into  the 
Middle  and  Western  states,  and  is  now  slowly  making  its  way 
into  the  Southern  states  of  our  Union,  and  even  into  Europe 
itself.  Though  Massachusetts  is  at  this  time  being  rivalled 
by  many  of  her  sister  states  in  the  excellence  of  their  common 
schools,  yet  in  none  of  them  are  her  schools  surpassed.  Of 
colleges,  she  claims  equality,  if  not  superiority  to  all  others. 
Harvard  University,  at  Cambridge,  founded  in  1636,  is  the  old- 
est, best  endowed,  and  most  celebrated  institution  in  the  whole 
Union.  Her  colleges  are  :  Williams  College,  at  Williamstown, 
founded  in  1793  ;  Amherst  College,  at  Amherst,  founded  in 
1821 ;  Holy  Cross,  at  Worcester,  founded  in  1843;  and  Tuft's 
College,  at  Medford,  founded  in  1854. 

Government. — The  Governor  and  Lieutenant  Governor  are 
elected  annually.  The  Senate,  composed  of  40,  and  the  House 
of  Representatives  of  356  members,  are  also  elected  annually, 
by  popular  vote. 

COUNTIES. 

1.  Barnstable.                    6.  Franklin.  11.  Norfolk. 

2.  Berkshire.                      7.  Hampden.  12.  Plymouth. 

3.  Bristol.  8.  Hampshire.  13.  Suffolk. 

4.  Dukes.  9.  Middlesex.  14.  Worcester. 

5.  Essex.  10.  Nantucket. 

This  State  contains  more  large  towns  than  any  other  State 
in  the  Union,  in  proportion  to  its  population. 

BOSTON,  the  capital  of  the  State,  and  second  commercial 
city  of  the  Union,  is  pleasantly  situated  upon  a  small  penin- 
sula in  Massachusetts  Bay.  The  city  is  divided  into  3  parts  : 
Boston  Proper,  East  Boston  and  South  Boston.  It  was 
originally  laid  out  without  regularity,  and  its  streets  were  left 

D 


50  GEOGRAPHICAL   HAND   BOOK. 

to  form  themselves  in  tortuous  courses.  Some  of  its  streets 
are  now  rendered  handsome  and  spacious ;  the  most  fash- 
ionable of  which  are  Washington  and  Tremont.  The 
public  edifices  of  Boston  are  numerous  and  splendid,  the 
most  noted  of  which  are  the  State  House,  on  Beacon  Hill ; 
Faneuil  Hall,  the  cradle  of  American  liberty ;  the  Merchant's 
Exchange,  the  City  Hall,  Tremont  Temple,  and  many  other 
gorgeous  and  costly  edifices.  The  great  ornament  of  the 
city,  is  the  open  space,  called  the  Common,  which  is  sur- 
rounded upon  all  sides  except  the  west,  with  handsome 
buildings  and  beautiful  elm  trees.  Boston  contains  nu- 
merous literary,  scientific  and  benevolent  institutions.  The 
Athenaeum,  the  Massachusetts  Historical  Society,  the  Library 
Society,  the  American  Academy  of  Arts  and  Sciences,  and 
the  Mercantile  Library  Association,  have  all  large  libraries, 
that  of  the  first  containing  50,000  volumes.  The  city  has 
over  100  churches,  issues  about  the  same  number  of  period- 
icals, and  its  great  literary  superiority  has  given  it  the  name 
of  the  "  American  Mhens"  Population  175,000. 

CHARLESTOWN,  situated  on  a  peninsula  north  of  Boston,  to 
which  it  is  united  by  bridges,  is  for  the  most  part  hand- 
somely built.  The  chief  object  of  attraction  is  the  Bunker 
Hill  Monument,  an  obelisk  of  granite,  220  feet  high,  erected 
in  commemoration  of  the  battle  fought  here,  June  17th, 
1775.  It  stands  upon  Breed's  Hill,  near  the  spot  where 
the  brave  Warren  fell.  Population  25,000. 

LOWELL,  situated  on  the  right  bank  of  the  Merrimac  river, 
above  the  mouth  of  the  Concord,  is  the  greatest  manufactu- 
ring city  in  the  United  States.  It  has  sprung  up  since  the 
introduction  of  cotton  manufacture,  and  its  citizens  are 
chiefly  dependent  upon  this  branch  of  industry.  The  cotton 
mills  give  employment  to  15,000  operatives.  Population 
37,000. 

CAMBRIDGE,  west  of  Boston,  consists  of  three  parts :  East 
Cambridge,  Cambridgeport  and  Old  Cambridge.  This  last 
part,  three  miles  from  Boston,  stands  upon  a  level  space  of 
ground  and  contains  Harvard  University,  the  first  establish- 
ed and  most  renowned  collegiate  institution  in  the  whole 
United  States.  In  the  southwestern  part  of  this  city  is 
Mount  Auburn,  the  cemetery  of  the  metropolis.  Cambridge 
is  one  of  the  earliest  settled  towns  in  New  England,  dating 
its  origin  from  1630.  During  the  Revolutionary  War,  the 


UNITED    STATES.  51 

American  Army  occupied  Cambridge  while  the  British  held 
possession  of  Boston.  Population  26,000. 

ROXBURY,  three  miles  south  of  the  metropolis,  with  which 
it  is  united  by  bridges.  Its  private  residences  are  neat,  and 
many  of  them  elegant  and  enclosed  by  spacious  grounds, 
gardens  and  shrubbery.  Many  business  men  of  the  capital 
reside  here.  Population  25,000. 

WORCESTER,  forty  miles  west  of  Boston,  in  the  centre  of 
one  of  the  richest  and  most  productive  regions  of  the  State, 
is  the  focus  of  a  vast  commerce,  and  has  various  and  exten- 
sive manufactories.  It  is  the  seat  of  the  State  Lunatic  Asy- 
lum, and  of  the  American  Antiquarian  Society,  founded  in 
1812.  Population  25,000. 

NEW  BEDFORD,  a  port  on  Buzzard's  Bay,  fifty-five  miles 
south  of  Boston,  is  a  handsome  tovrn,  the  streets  of  which  are 
generally  adorned  with  shade  trees.  It  is  the  great  depot  of 
the  American  whale  fisheries,  and  one  of  the  wealthiest 
towns  of  the  Union.  Population  23,000. 

SALEM,  situated  on  the  peninsula,  fourteen  miles  north  of 
Boston,  is  noted  for  the  number  and  excellence  of  its  literary 
institutions.  It  has  a  fine  harbor,  and  its  trade  is  extensive. 
Here,  in  1692,  prevailed  the  famous  witchcraft  superstition, 
through  which  nineteen  persons  were  executed.  Popula- 
tion 22,000. 

LYNN,  on  Massachusetts  Bay,  between  Boston  and  Salem, 
has  long  been  celebrated  for  its  manufacture  of  ladies'  shoes. 
Its  beaches,  and  Nahant,  in  the  vicinity,  are  noted  summer 
resorts.  Population  20,000. 

LAWRENCE,  on  both  sides  of  the  Merrimac  river,  twenty- six 
miles  from  the  metropolis,  is  one  of  the  greatest  manufactur- 
ing towns  in  the  United  States.  Population  18,000. 

TAUNTON,  at  the  head  of  the  river  of  the  same  name,  is  a 
place  of  various  and  extensive  manufactures.  Pop.  15,000. 

SPRINGFIELD,  on  the  Connecticut  river,  is  one  ot  the  most 
flourishing  and  handsome  inland  towns  in  the  State.  It  has 
the  most  extensive  arsenal  in  the  Union.  Great  quantities  of 
arms  are  made  here  annually.  Population  15,000. 

NEWBURYPORT,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Merrimac  river,  is  noted 
for  its  beauty  and  the  regularity  of  its  streets.  It  has  a  safe 
and  capacious  harbor,  but  obstructed  by  a  sand  bar.  Here 
died,  September  30,  1770,  the  celebrated  George  Whitfield. 
Population  13,000. 


52  GEOGRAPHICAL   HAND  BOOK. 

PLYMOUTH,  on  the  Bay  of  this  name,  is  memorable  as  the 
first  settled  town  in  New  England.  The  most  noted  edifice 
is  Pilgrim's  Hall,  erected  by  the  Pilgrim  Society  in  1624. 
Population  7,000. 

The  other  towns  in  this  state  are:  Fall  River,  with  14,000 
inhabitants;  Chelsea,  13,000;  Gloucester,  11,000;  Haverhill, 
10,000;  Dorchester,  10,000;  Milford,  9,000;  Abington,  8,500; 
Newton,  8,000  ;  Pittsfield,  8,000 ;  Somerville,  8,000 ;  Fitch- 
burg,  8,000  ;  Marblehead,  7,500  ;  Chicopee,  7,000  ;  Adams, 
7,000;  Northampton,  7,000;  Quiricy,  7,000;  Woburn,  6,500; 
North  Bridgewater,  6,500;  South  Danvers,  6,500  ;  Waltham, 
6,400;  Dedham,  6,300;  West  Roxbury,  6,300;  Beverly, 
6,000  ;  Attleborough,  6,000  ;  Marlborough,  5,900 ;  Maiden, 
5,800  ;  Randolph,  5,700  ;  Natick,  5,500  ;  Blackstone,  5,400  ; 
Brookline,  5,100  ;  Barnstable,  5,000  ;  Danvers,  5,000 ;  West- 
field,  5,000 ;  Holyoke,  5,000. 

COUNTY  CAPITALS. 

1.  Barnstable.  2.  Lenox.  3.  Taunton  arid  New  Bedford.  4.  Edgarton. 
5.  Salem,  Ipswich,  Lawrence  and  Newburyport.  6.  Greenfield.  7.  Spring- 
field. 8.  Northampton.  9.  Concord,  Cambridge  and  Lowell.  10.  Nan- 
tucket.  11.  Dedham.  12.  Plymouth.  13.  BOSTON.  14.  Worcester. 

RHODE  ISLAND. 

Area  1,306  square  miles.     Population  174,000. 

Rhode  Island  is  the  smallest  State  of  the  Union,  and  was 
first  settled  in  1636,  by  Roger  Williams  and  his  followers.  It 
was  one  of  the  earliest  and  firmest  advocates  oi  American  In- 
dependence; but  after  its  achievement,  one  of  the  last  to  ratify 
the  adopted  Federal  Constitution.  This  State  was  the  scene 
of  the  Dorr  rebellion  in  1842. 

It  is  bounded  north  and  east  by  Massachusetts,  south  by 
the  Atlantic,  and  west  by  Connecticut,  and  contains  five 
counties. 

Surface,  $c. — This  State  is  mostly  level,  except  in  the  north- 
west, where  it  is  hilly  and  rocky.  The  soil  is  moderately  fer- 
tile. It  contains  no  mountains  nor  rivers  of  importance. 

Climate. — The  climate  of  this  State  is  very  similar  to  that 
of  Connecticut  and  Massachusetts.  Its  contiguity  to  the 
ocean  moderates  the  severity  of  winter  and  the  heat  of  sum- 
mer. 

Products. — The  attention  of  farmers  is  more  turned  to  the 
grazing  of  cattle  and  the  products  of  the  dairy,  than  to  agri- 


TJNITED    STATES.  53 

culture.  The  products,  however,  are  similar  to  those  of  the 
other  Eastern  States. 

Manufactures. — Owing  to  its  great  hydraulic  power,  this 
State  is  extensively  engaged  in  manufactures,  and  the  first 
cotton  mill  established  in  the  United  States,  was  built  within 
the  limits  of  Rhode  Island.  In  proportion  to  its  population, 
it  ranks  as  the  first  cotton  manufacturing  State  in  the  Union. 

Education. — Rhode  Island  gives  great  attention  to  the 
cause  of  popular  education.  In  addition  to  this,  Brown  Uni- 
versity, located  at  Providence,  founded  in  1764,  is  deservedly 
ranked  as  one  of  the  most  excellent  educational  institutions  in 
the  United  States.  This  University  has  made  some  very  im- 
portant innovations  in  the  method  of  instruction  and  in  the 
manner  of  conferring  degrees,  with  the  design  of  allowing 
young  men  to  select  their  studies  with  reference  to  their  de- 
signs or  future  plans,  without  being  obliged  to  pass  through 
the  whole  course  of  college  studies. 

Government. — The  executive  power,  is  vested  in  a  Gover- 
nor and  Lieutenant  Governor,  who  are  chosen  annually — 
The  Legislative  power  is  in  the  hands  of  a  Senate  of  31,  and 
a  House  of  Representatives  of  72  members,  also  elected  an- 
nually by  popular  vote. 

COUNTIES. 

1.  Bristol.  3.  Newport.  5.  Washington. 

2.  Kent.  4.  Providence. 

PROVIDENCE,  situated  on  a  river  of  its  own  name,  at  the 
head  of  Narraganset  bay,  thirty -five  miles  from  the  ocean,  is  a 
semi-capital  of  the  State,  and  in  proportion  to  size  one  of  the 
most  wealthy  cities  in  the  United  Statts.  It  occupies  an  ad- 
vantageous position  for  commerce,  and  has  a  harbor  capable 
of  admitting  vessels  of  900  tons.  Many  of  its  public  buildings 
are  large  arid  costly  structures.  The  Arcade  is  a  beautiful 
granite  edifice  on  the  west  side  of  the  river,  226  feet  long,  80 
wide  and  3  stories  high,  and  extends  from  Broad  street  to 
Westminster.  Some  of  the  other  public  buildings  are  the 
State  House,  the  Savings  Bank,  and  the  new  Custom  House. 
This  city  is  the  seat  of  Brown  University,  and  contains  nu- 
merous other  literary  and  educational  institutions.  Its  man- 
ufactures are  of  various  kinds  and  very  extensive.  Popula- 
tion 50,000. 


54  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

NEWPORT,  on  Narraganset  Bay,  5  miles  from  the  ocean, 
also  a  semi-capital  of  the  State,  has  one  of  the  best  harbors  in 
the  Union.  Its  sea  air  and  delightful  scenery  have  ren- 
dered this  place  one  of  the  most  celebrated  watering  places 
in  New  England.  Many  persons  of  wealth  from  other  cities, 
have  erected  summer  residences  here.  Population  10,500. 

BRISTOL,  also  on  Narraganset  Bay,  has  an  easy  and  safe 
harbor,  with  considerable  trade.  In  the  vicinity  is  Mount 
Hope,  the  residence  of  Philip,  the  celebrated  Indian  king,  who 
was  killed  1676.  Population  5,000. 

PAWTUCKET,  four  miles  northeast  of  Providence,  is  one  of  the  great  manu- 
facturing towns  of  Rhode  Island.  Its  manufactures  comprise  those  of  cot- 
ton goods,  thread,  machinery,  cabinet  ware,  and  carriages.  It  is  noted  as 
the  town  in  which  the  first  cloth  manufactory  run  by  water  in  the  United 
States  was  established,  in  1790. 

WOONSOCKET,  situated  in  Providence  county,  on  both  sides  of  the  Black- 
stone  river,  is  likewise  a  great  manufacturing  town.  Besides  the  principal 
town  it  includes  under  its  general  name  the  smaller  villages  of  Beron,  Ham- 
let, Jencksville,  Globe  and  Union.  The  chief  article  of  manufacture  is  cotton 
goods. 

COUNTY  CAPITALS. 

1.  Bristol.  2.  East  Greenwich.  3.  NEWPORT.  4.  PROVIDENCE.  5. 
South  Kingston. 

CONNECTICUT. 

Area  4,730  square  miles.     Population  460,000. 

Connecticut,  the  most  southern  of  the  Eastern  States,  at  first 
a  colony  of  Massachusetts,  was  settled  at  Windsor,  in  1633, 
by  the  Plymouth  company.  During  the  Revolution,  no  other 
State  furnished  so  large  a  quota  of  soldiers,  according  to  its 
population,  as  did  Connecticut,  and  George  Washington  had 
no  more  efficient  coadjutor  than  was  Governor  Trumbull,  the 
executive  of  this  State  during  that  famed  struggle.  It  is  bound- 
ed north  by  Massachusetts,  east  by  Rhode  Island,  south  by 
bong  Island  sound,  and  west  by  New  York,  and  contains 
eight  counties. 

Surface. — The  surface  is  greatly  diversified,  consisting  of 
few  level  tracts,  and  no  very  high  mountains.  The  State  is 
traversed  by  several  ranges  of  mountains,  some  of  which  attain 
an  altitude'  of  700  feet.  The  soil  is  in  general  good,  but  of 
very  different  qualities. 


UNITED    STATES.  55 

Rivers. — The  principal  rivers  are  the  Connecticut,  the 
Housatonic,  and  the  Thames,  all  flowing  south  into  Long 
Island  Sound. 

Climate. — All  the  rivers  are  frozen  over  for  two  or  three 
months,  and  deep  snows  cover  the  earth  every  winter. 
The  summers  are  clear  and  serene,  and  the  climate  is  in  gen- 
eral healthy. 

Products. — The  products  are  similar  to  those  of  Massa- 
chusetts ;  such  as  corn,  wheat,  oats,  barley,  buckwheat  and 
potatoes.  Great  quantities  of  butter  and  cheese  are  made, 
and  exported  annually.  Iron,  copper  and  lead  are  mined  here. 
Porcelain  clay  is  found  in  some  parts. 

Manufactures. — The  manufactures  of  Connecticut  are 
various  and  extensive.  Nearly  all  persons  here  are  more  or 
less  interested  in  some  branch  of  manufactures.  The 
principal  manufactures  are  those  of  cotton,  woolen  and  silk 
goods  ;  also  of  clocks,  cutlery,  carriages,  india  rubber  goods 
and  tinware.  Great  quantities  of  hats,  boots,  shoes,  paper, 
saddlery,  cabinet  furniture,  combs,  buttons,  &c.,  are  likewise 
made. 

Education. — The  most  liberal  provisions  have  been  made 
in  this  State  for  the  cause  of  popular  education,  the  effects  ol 
which  display  themselves  throughout  the  whole  State,  and 
for  this  reason  the  people  of  Connecticut  have  long  been 
ranked  amongst  the  most  intelligent  and  well  educated  in  the 
whole  country.  Her  colleges,  likewise,  entitle  her  to  an 
eminent  grade.  Next  to  Harvard  University,  Yale  College, 
founded  in  1700,  is  universally  estimated  as  holding  rank, 
and  may  properly  be  considered  its  equal.  Besides  Yale, 
Trinity  College  at  Hartford,  founded  in  1825,  and  the  Wes- 
leyan  University  at  Middletown,  founded  1831,  are  excellent 
founts  of  literature. 

Government. — The  Governor  and  Lieutenant  Governor 
are  elected  annually.  The  General  Assembly  is  composed  of 
a  Senate  of  21,  and  a  House  of  Representatives  of  234 
members.  The  members  of  each  house  are  chosen  annually. 

COUNTIES. 

1.  Hartford.  4.  Fairfield.  7.  Middlesex. 

2.  New  Haven.  6.  Windham.  8.  Tolland. 

3.  New  London,  6.  Litchfield. 


56  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND-BOOK. 

NEW  HAVEN,  is  delightfully  located  on  the  bay  of  its  own 
name,  four  miles  from  Long  Island  Sound.  It  is  built  in 
squares,  with  wide  and  spacious  streets,  and  is  one  of  the 
most  handsome  cities  in  the  United  States.  One  of  its 
squares  is  occupied  by  the  State  House,  the  buildings  of  Yale 
College  and  other  edifices,  which  with  the  surrounding  rows 
of  beautiful  trees,  render  it  an  attractive  resort.  The  private 
residences  are  mostly  detached,  standing  in  yards  and  adorn- 
ed with  trees,  gardens  and  shrubbery.  On  account  of  the 
number  of  elms  in  this  place,  it  has  been  called,  "  the  City 
of  Elm  Trees ;  and  it  has  long  been  celebrated  for  the  intellec- 
tual and  moral  character  of  its  citizens.  Population  40,000. 

HARTFORD,  one  of  the  State  capitals,  is  built  upon  the 
Connecticut  river,  50  miles  from  its  mouth,  in  the  midst  of 
a  fertile  and  handsome  country.  It  is  a  very  elegant  and 
beautiful  city,  containing  some  of  the  finest  specimens  of 
architecture  in  the  Union.  The  first  asylum  for  the  deaf  and 
dumb  in  the  United  States,  was  erected  here.  It  has  numer- 
ous manufacturing  establishments,  with  a  population  of  30,- 
000.  The  legislature  meets  alternately  here  and  at  New 
Haven.  The  annual  publication  of  books  in  this  place  is 
extensive. 

NORWICH,  on  the  Thames  river,  at  the  head  of  navigation, 
is  a  beautiful  city,  built  in  terraces,  street  above  street,  and 
presents  a  delightful  appearance  as  it  is  approached  by  the 
river.  It  has  numerous  manufacturing  establishments.  The 
burying  ground  of  the  Uncases  is  here  shown,  in  which  many 
of  the  ancient  Indian  Sachems  lie  interred.  Population 
14,000. 

BRIDGEPORT,  built  upon  an  arm  of  Long  Island  Sound,  is 
a  delightful  and  handsome  city,  with  numerous  ornamental 
shade  trees.  Its  coasting  trade  and  manufactures  are  very 
extensive.  Population  13,000. 

NEW  LONDON,  on  the  river  Thames,  three  miles  from  the 
ocean,  has  one  of  the  best  harbors  in  the  Union,  which  is  de- 
fended by  two  forts.  Many  of  the  inhabitants  are  engaged  in 
the  whale  fisheries,  and  its  shipping  is  considerable.  Popu- 
lation 10,000. 

WATERBURY,  a  handsome  and  flourishing  city,  twenty-eight 
miles  southwest  of  Hartford,  is  noted  for  its  varied  and  ex- 
pensive manufactures.  Population  10,000. 


UNITED    STATES.  5t 

COUNTY    CAPITALS. 

1.  HARTFORD.  2.  NEW  HAVEN.  3.  Norwich  and  New  London.  4.  Fair- 
field  and  Danbury.  5.  Brooklyn.  6.  Litchfield.  7.  Middletown  and 
Haddam.  8.  Tolland. 


MIDDLE  STATES. 

Area  103,440  square  miles.     Population  7,577,000. 

The  Middle  States  comprise  New  York,  New  Jersey,  Penn- 
sylvania and  Delaware.  They  occupy  an  important  section 
of  the  American  Union,  and  are  distinguished  for  their  agri- 
culture, manufactures  and  commerce,  for  their  rapid  growth 
in  prosperity  and  wealth,  and  for  their  numerous  and  exten- 
sive canals  and  railways.  These  States  are  traversed  by  the 
Alleghany,  the  Blue  mountains,  and  other  ranges,  and  their 
surface  is  therefore  considerably  diversified  with  mountains, 
hills  and  valleys.  The  soil  is  in  general  fertile,  and  the  cli- 
mate mild  and  salubrious.  Wheat  is  the  great  staple  of  these 
States,  but  rye,  oats,  barley,  corn,  buckwheat,  beans,  flax  and 
hemp  are  grown  in  great  quantities.  The  soil  and  climate  is 
admirably  adapted  to  the  growth  of  various  kinds  of  fruit; 
Apples,  pears,  peaches,  plums  and  cherries,  are  produced  in 
abundance.  The  mineral  wealth  of  these  states  is  inexhaust- 
ible, especially  in  Pennsylvania,  where  iron  and  coal  exist 
in  the  greatest  quantities.  Copper,  lead,  limestone  and  mar- 
ble are  found.  Bituminous  coal  is  abundantly  obtained  near 
Pittsburg.  Salt  springs  are  numerous,  especially  in  New 
York,  and  also  in  Pennsylvania  west  of  the  Alleghanies.  The 
manufactures  of  these  states,-  are  important  and  various,  and 
these  employ  an  astonishing  amount  of  capital,  giving  support 
to  thousands  of  both  sexes.  Their  commerce,  is  larger  than  that 
of  any  other  section  of  the  Union,  and  it  is  carried  on  chiefly 
through  the  great  depots  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia. 
The  inland  traffic  is  greatly  facilitated  by  means  of  canals 
and  railroads,  which  are  made  through  nearly  all  sections  of 
the  country.  Great  advancement  has  also  been  made  in 
the  cause  of  education,  and  at  this  time,  common  schools  are 
very  generally  established,  and  the  people  of  the  Middle 
Slates  are  now  being  ranked  with  the  most  intelligent  of  the 
Republic. 

D* 


58  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

NEW  YORK. 

Area  47,000  square  miles.     Population  3,887,000. 

New  York  is  the  most  wealthy  and  populous  state  of  the 
American  Union.  It  was  first  explored  by  Henry  Hudson, 
an  Englishman,  in  the  service  of  the  Dutch  East  India  com- 
pany, who  in  1609  sailed  up  the  harbor  of  New  York  and  the 
river  which  bears  his  name.  The  first  permanent  settlements 
in  this  State  were  made  in  1614,  by  the  Dutch,  at  Fort  Orange 
and  New  Amsterdam,  afterwards  called  Albany  and  New 
York.  After  a  series  of  contests  between  the  Dutch  and  En- 
glish this  State  came,  in  1674,  into  the  possession  of  the  latter, 
and  so  remained  until  the  war  of  the  Revolution.  Previous 
to  this  latter  date,  the  shores  of  Lake  George  and  Champlain 
had  become  the  classic  scenes  of  the  contests  between  the 
French  and  English.  New  York,  was  an  active  participant 
in  the  war  of  the  Revolution,  and  was  the  theatre  of  the  de- 
feat of  Washington  on  Long  Island  and  at  White  Plains,  in 
1776,  and  of  the  surrender  of  Burgoyne  and  the  taking  of 
Stony  Point  the  following  year.  It  is  bounded  north  by  lake 
Ontario  and  Canada,  east  by  Vermont,  Massachusetts,  and 
Connecticut,  south  by  New  Jersey  and  Pennsylvania,  and 
west  by  Pennsylvania,  Lake  Erie  and  the  river  Niagara,  and 
contains  sixty  counties. 

Surface. — The  Appalachian  mountains  enter  the  eastern 
portion  of  this  State  from  New  Jersey  and  Pennsylvania,  in 
two  separate  ridges  ;  the  chain  from  New  Jersey  crosses  the 
Hudson  near  West  Point,  50  miles  from  its  mouth,  and  forms 
the  celebrated  Highlands  of  the  Hudson;  northwest  of  this 
chain  and  nearly  parallel  with  the  Highlands,  are  the  Shaw- 
angunk,  and  north  of  these  the  far  famed  Catsldll  mountains. 
The  most  important  group  in  the  northeast  are  the  Adiron- 
dack mountains,  the  highest  peak  of  which  has  an  elevation 
of  5,460  feet.  The  eastern  part,  although  mountainous,  is  in- 
terspersed with  fertile  tracts ;  the  western  part  is  in  general 
level.  All  varieties  of  soil  are  found  here,  from  the,  thin  poor 
soil  of  the  northeast  to  the  rich  alluvial  loams  of  the  Gene- 
see  flats,  and  the  fertile  valleys  of  the  Hudson  and  Mohawk. 
Rivers. — This  State  has  a  greater  amount  of  navigable 
waters,  than  any  other  in  the  Union.  The  Hudson  rises  in 
the  Adirondack  mountains,  receives  on  the  right  the  Mohawk, 
as  an  affluent,  and  flows  into  the  sea  at  Nfcw  Yo*rk.  The 


UNITED    STATES.  59 

Black  river  runs  west,  and  the  Genesee  north,  into  lake  On- 
tario. The  northern  limit  of  the  State  is  washed  by  the  St. 
Lawrence.  The  Susqueharina,  Alleghany,  and  the  Delaware 
rivers  all  rise  in  this  State. 

Lakes. — Lakes  Erie  and  Ontario  lie  on  the  western  border, 
Champlain  on  the  northeast,  and  Lake  George,  celebrated  for 
the  grandeur  of  its  scenery,  in  the  east ;  in  the  centre  are 
Oneida,  Skeneateles,  Owasco,  Cayuga,  Seneca,  Crooked,  and 
Canandaigua  lakes,  and  in  the  west  Lake  Chatauqua. 

Climate. — Considerable  diversities  of  climate  are  met  with, 
within  the  limits  of  this  State.  In  the  northern  part,  the  win- 
ters are  long  and  severe,  except  at  times  the  severity  is  mod- 
erated by  the  proximity  of  the  great  lakes ;  south  of  the  Cats- 
kill  mountains,  the  heat  of  summer  is  tempered,  and  the  air 
of  spring  chiled  by  the  effects  of  the  sea-breezes,  which  pen- 
etrate considerably  into  the  country.  The  climate  is  in  gen- 
eral healthy. 

Products. — The  greater  proportion  of  the  evergreen  trees 
of  North  America  grow  here.  The  western  portion  contains 
deciduous  trees  of  the  loftiest  growth  ;  the  eastern  has  also  of 
the  same  kind,  but  not  so  loity.  The  agricultural  products 
are  various  and  abundant;  the  deer,  bear,  panther  and  wolf  are 
yet  found  in  the  forests,  arid  birds  of  the  sweetest  melody  and 
gaudiest  plumage,  greet  the  arrival  of  spring  with  their  har- 
monious strains. 

Manufactures. — The  Empire  State,  although  greatly  en- 
gaged in  manufactures,  can  not  compete  in  this  particular 
with  Pennsylvania  and  Massachusetts  ;  and  even  the  small 
states  of  Connecticut,  New  Hampshire  and  Rhode  Island, 
relatively  surpass  her.  She  may  be  regarded  however  as  one 
of  the  great  manufacturing  states  of  the  nation. 

Education. — Yew  York  has  for  a  long  time  mani- 
interest  and  spirit  in  the  causeof  common  school 
Il  lias  IMMMI  ivinnrked  by  competent  authorities 
that  she  was  advancing  the  cause  of  popular  education  more 
than  any  other  State  in  the  Union, or  country  in  the  world.  In 
the  number  and  character  of  her  collegiate  institutions  she 
maintains  a  distinguished  rank.  She  has  the  following:  Colum- 
bia College,  at  New  York,  founded  in  1754  ;  Union  College, 
;ii  Schenectedyyin  1795;  Hamilton, at  Clinton, in  1812;  Mad- 
ison University,  at  Hamilton,  in  1846;  Hohart  Free  College, 
at  Geneva,  in  1825  ;  University  of  the  City  of  New  York,  in 


60  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

1831;  University  of  Rochester,  in  1850;  and  St.  John's 
College,  at  Fordham,  in  1840. 

Curiosities. — The  far  famed  Falls  of  Niagara,  with  a  de- 
scent of  160  feet,  surpass  everything  of  the  kind  in  the  world, 
and  require  to  be  seen  to  be  realized.  Numerous  other  cat- 
aracts are  found  in  this  state,  which  would  excite  admiration 
in  any  other  part  of  the  world.  The  Falls  of  the  Genesee, 
90  feet  high ;  Trenton  Falls,  on  Canada  creek,  an  affluent  of 
the  Mohawk  ;  the  Falls  of  Cohoes,  on  the  Mohawk  near  its 
entrance  into  the  Hudson;  Glen's  Falls  on  the  Hudson,  18 
miles  above  Saratoga,  67  feet  high ;  and  on  the  same  stream 
Jessup's,  Hadley's,  and  Claverack's  Falls,  are  the  most  noted 
cataracts  after  Niagara. 

Mineral  Springs. — Of  the  most  noted  places  of  fashionable 
resort,  upon  the  whole  continent,  the  Saratoga  Springs,  in  the 
county  so  named,  stand  pre-eminent,  and  these  are  annually 
visited  by  those  seeking  health  and  pleasure.  The  Sharon 
Sulphur  Springs,  in  Schoharie  county,  are  also  much  visited 
by  invalids.  Avon  Springs,  twenty  miles  south  of  Rochester, 
are  likewise  greatly  resorted  to. 

Commerce. — New  York  has  great  facilities  for  foreign,  and 
inland  commerce,  and  it  exceeds  every  other  State  in  the 
Union  in  the  amount  of  tonnage  owned  by  its  citizens,  though 
it  is  relatively  surpassed  by  Massachusetts. 

Government. — The  government  is  in  the  hands  of  a  Gov- 
ernor and  Lieutenant  Governor,  elected  for  two  years  each  ; 
a  Senate  of  thirty-two,  and  a  House  of  Representatives  of  one 
hundred  and  twenty-eight  members ;  the  former  chosen  for 
two  years,  and  the  latter  annually. 


COUNTIES. 

1.  Albany.  14.  Erie.  27.  Monroe. 

2.  Alleghany.  15.  Essex.  28.  Montgomery. 

3.  Broome.  36.  Franklin.  29.  New  York. 

4.  Cattaraugug.  17.  Fulton.  80.  Niagara. 

5.  Cayuga.  18.  Genesee.  31.  Oneida. 

6.  Chatauqua.  19.  Greene.  32.  Onondaga. 

7.  Chemung.  20.  Hamilton.  33.  Ontario. 

8.  Chenango.  21,  Herkimer.  34.  Orange. 

9.  Clinton.  22.  Jefferson.  35.  Orleans. 
30.  Columbia.  23.  Kings.  36.  Oswego. 

11.  Cortland.  24.  Lewis.  37.  Otsego. 

12.  Delaware.  25.  Livingston.  38.  Putnam. 

13.  Dutckess.  26.  Madison.  39.  Queens. 


UNITED    STATES.  61 

40.  Rensselaer.  47.  Seneca.  54.  Ulster. 

41.  Richmond.  48.  St.  Lawrence.  55.   Warren. 

42.  Rockland.  49.  Steuben.  56.  Washington. 

43.  Saratoga.  50.  Suffolk.  57.  Wayne. 

44.  Schenectady.  51.  Sullivan.  58.  Westchester. 

45.  Schoharie.  52.  Tioga.  59.  Wyoming. 

46.  Schuyler.  53.  Tompkins.  60.  Yates. 

No  other  State  has  so  many  large  and  populous  cities  as 
New  York. 

NEW  YORK,  situated  on  Manhattan  Island,  about  eighteen 
miles  from  the  Atlantic,  at  the  confluence  of  the  Hudson  and 
East  rivers,  is  the  metropolis  of  the  State,  and  the  emporium 
of  the  New  World.  The  old,  or  southern  part  of  the  city,  is 
laid  out  with  narrow  and  irregular  streets  ;  but  in  the  new 
portion  they  are  wide  and  spacious.  Broadway,  the  principal 
street,  traversing  this  metropolis  from  north  to  south,  is  eighty 
feet  wide,  and  one  of  the  most  splendid  in  any  city.  Wall 
street  is  the  Rialto  of  New  York,  the  grand  centre  around 
which  the  financial  affairs  of  the  country  revolve.  The  great- 
est contrasts  are  met  with  in  this  city,  from  the  superb  and 
costly  mansions  of  Fifth  Avenue,  to  the  wretched,  miserable 
abodes  of  the  Five  Points.  New  York  contains  several 
small  parks  or  public  promenades  of  which  the  Battery  is  one 
of  the  most  delightful  offered  by  any  city.  It  occupies  an  area 
of  eleven  acres  at  the  extreme  southwest  of  the  city,  and  is 
hansomely  laid  out  with  walks  and  ornamented  with  beautiful 
shadejrees.  Besides  the  Battery  there  are  several  other  hand- 
some promenades.  Of  the  public  works,  the  Croton  Aqueduct 
stands  pre-eminent,  and  rivals  anything  of  the  kind  in  mod- 
ern times,  and  is  alone  surpassed  by  those  of  ancient  Rome. 
The  principal  public  edifices  are:  1,  the  Custom  House',  2, 
Merchants'  Exchange  ;  3,  Trinity  Church,  with  the  highest 
steeple  in  the  United  States ;  4,  the  City  Hall,  and  numerous 
other  gorgeous  and  handsome  structures.  The  Custom  House 
occupies  the  site  of  the  old  Federal  Hall,  from  the  balcony  of 
which  Washington  delivered  his  first  inaugural  address.  It 
is  200  feet  long,  ninety  wide,  and  eighty  high,  with  a  portico 
at  each  end,supported  by  eight  massive  columns;  the  build 
ing  cost  $1,175,000.  The  Merchants1  Exchange  in  Wall  street, 
is  also  one  of  the  most  imposing  and  magnificent  structures  in 
the  United  States.  It  is  constructed  of  Quincy  granite,  is  200 
feet  long,  144  to  177  wide,  77  feet  high  to  the  top  of  the  cor- 
nice, and  124  to  the  summit  of  the  dome.  Its  cost  was  $1,- 


62  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND   BOOK. 

800,000.  Trinity  Church,  with  its  lofty  spire,  264  feet  high,  is 
189  feet  long,  84  wide  and  64  high.  It  is  believed  that  this 
church  exhibits  the  finest  specimen  of  Gothic  architecture  in 
the  whole  Union.  Besides  Trinity  Church,  Grace  Church, 
the  Baptist,  corner  of  Elizabeth  and  Broome  streets,  Trinity 
Chapel,  the  Church  of  the  Ascension,  Calvary ,Holy  Commu- 
nion, and  many  other  large  and  splendid  churches  are  to  be 
seen  in  this  city.  New  York  probably  surpasses  most  cities 
of  the  globe  in  the  number,  extent,  and  magnificence  of  its 
hotels,  and  in  the  sumptuousness  of  their  equipments.  Among 
the  most  important  of  these  may  be  mentioned  the  Astor 
House,  Howard  House,  American,  Irving  House,  Carlton 
House,  Taylor's  Restaurant,  Collamore  House,  St.  Nicholas, 
Metropolitan,  and  many  other  superb  and  elegantly  furnished 
hotels.  New  York  has  long  betn  regarded  as  the  great  com- 
mercial metropolis  of  the  nation,  and  is  now  likewise  becom- 
ing a  considerable  literary  centre,  for  which  it  is  vastly  in- 
debted to  the  munificence  of  John  Jacob  Astor,  whose  liberal 
bequest  furnished  the  means  for  the  establishment  of  one  of 
the  largest  libraries  in  the  whole  country.  Its  scientific  and 
literary  institutions  are  numerous  and  liberally  patronized. 
Being  the  great  trading  depot  of  America,  the  New  York 
steamers  now  make  regular  trips  to  several  leading  European 
ports.  Population  813,000. 

BROOKLYN,  on  the  west  end  of  Long  Island,  opposite  New 
York,  with  which  it  is  connected  by  numerous  steam  ferries, 
is  one  of  the  best  built  cities  in  the  Union,  and  contains  a 
large  number  of  edifices  distinguished  for  elegance  and  archi- 
tectural design.  Its  churches  are  so  numerous  as  to  entitle  it 
to  be  called  the  "  City  of  Churches."  Some  of  the  most  hand- 
some of  these  are  the  Church  of  the  Pilgrims,  Holy  Trinity, 
Grace  Church,  Unitarian,  and  the  Church  of  the  Restoration. 
The  objects  of  interest  are  the  Navy  Yard,  Atlantic  Docks, 
Greenwood  cemetery,  and  Ridgewood  Reservoir,  which  sup- 
plies the  city  with  water.  Wallabout  bay,  near  Brooklyn  is 
noted  in  Revolutionary  history  as  the.  station  of  the  English 
prison  ships,  in  which  near  12,000  American  prisoners  are 
said  to  have  perished  from  close  confinement  and  other  ill 
treatment.  Population  260,000. 

ALBANY, the  capital, situated  on  the  Hudson,  145  miles  above 
New  York,  carries  on  a  large  commerce.  It  is  the  principal  en- 
trepot 6f  the  northern  section  of  the  Mississippi  valley,  and  of 


UNITED    STATES.  63 

the  lakes  with  the  ocean.  The  most  imposing  church  edifice 
in  this  city  is  the  Cathedral  of  the  Immaculate  Conception, 
built  upon  a  commanding  eminence,  fronting  on  Eagle, 
and  extending  from  Lydius  to  Jefferson  streets.  It  is  180  feet 
long  arid  115  deep,  with  two  towers,  each  280  feet  high.  This 
Cathedral  is  built  in  the  Gothic  style,  of  brown  freestone,  and 
cost  $600,000  ;  it  is  probably  not  surpassed  in  size  by  any 
edifice  of  the  kind  in  the  Union.  Albany  has  various  and  ex- 
tensive manufactures,  and  is  also  one  of  the  greatest  lum- 
ber markets  in  the  United  States.  Population  62,000. 

BUFFALO,  built  at  the  eastern  extremity  of  lake  Erie,  is  one 
of  the  most  flourishing  cities  in  the  United  States.  It  is  very 
handsomely  laid  out  and  contains  some  of  the  finest  speci- 
mens of  architecture  in  the  whole  country.  St.  Joseph's  Cath- 
olic Cathedral  and  the  Episcopalian  churches  of  St.  John  and 
St.  Paul  are  amongst  the  finest  structures  of  the  kind  in  the 
United  States.  The  Catholic  Cathedral  is  built  in  the  deco- 
rated gothic  style,  in  the  form  of  a  cross,  and  its.eastern  front 
is  flanked  by  two  lofty  towers.  Buffalo  contains  many  lite- 
rary, educational  and  benevolent  institutions,  and  its  manu- 
factures are  important  and  rapidly  becoming  more  extensive. 
Its  <rade  is  immense,  and  it  may  be  regarded  as  the  western 
entrepot  of  the  lakes  and  seaboard.  Population  80,000. 

ROCHESTER,  situated  on  the  Genesee  river,  seven  miles 
from  its  mouth,  is  a  very  handsome  city,  the  streets  inter- 
secting each  other  at  right  angles,  and  many  of  the  houses 
have  gardens  and  ornamental  grounds  attached.  The  site 
of  the  city  is  nearly  level,  with  streets  varying  in  breadth 
from  sixty  to  eighty  feet,  and  these  are  generally  well  paved 
and  lighted  with  gas.  The  two  most  handsome  buildings 
are  the  new  Court  House,  on  Buffalo  street,  and  the  Arcade, 
occupied  by  the  post  office  department,  both  being  large  and 
splendid  structures.  This  city  has  long  been  celebrated  for 
its  flour  mills,  probably  the  most  extensive  in  the  United 
States;  but  besides  these,  its  other  manufactures  are  various 
and  important.  Its  owes  its  rapid  growth  in  a  gre^t 
measure  to  the  excellent  hydraulic  powe^  of  the  Genesee. 
Population  48,000. 

TROY,  built  upon  both  sides  of  the  Hudson,  six  miles  above 
Albany,  is  a  regularly  laid  out  city  and  is  composed  of  hand- 
some buildings.  South  of  the  city  rises  an  eminence  called 


64  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND   BOOK. 

Mount  Ida,  which  commands  a  beautiful  and  extensive  view 
of  the  Hudson,  and  of  this  and  the  neighboring  towns.  In 
the  north  part  a  bare  mass  of  rock  towers  to  the  height  of  200 
feet,  called  likewise  by  the  classic  name  of  Mount  Olympus. 
Troy  is  admirably  located  for  commerce,  and  its  manufac- 
tures are  various  and  extensive.  Population  40,000. 

SYRACUSE,  at  the  south  end  of  Onondago  Lake,  is  a 
beautiful  city,  built  upon  level  ground,  and  its  streets  are  wide 
and  cross  each  other  at  right  angles.  Its  business  avenues 
are  lined  with  handsome  blocks  of  stone  and  brick  buildings. 
Owing  to  its  central  location,  the  political  conventions  of  the 
State  have  been  generally  held  here.  The  principal  hotels  are 
the  Globe,  the  Syracuse  and  Onondago  Houses.  It  is  re- 
markable as  the  seat  of  the  most  extensive  and  valuable  salt 
manufactures  in  the  United  States.  Population  28,000. 

UTICA,  on  the  Mohawk  river,  situated  in  the  midst  of  a 
fertile  and  populous  region,  is  a  place  of  great  trade  and  of 
extensive  manufactures.  It  is  the  seat  of  the  State  Lunatic 
Asylum.  It  occupies  the  site  of  old  Fort  Sehuyler,  and  was 
incorporated  as  a  city  in  1830.  Population  22,000. 

OSWEGO,  stands  upon  the  southeast  shore  of  Lake  Ontario, 
and  is  the  most  populous  and  flourishing  town  on  the  Amer- 
ican side  of  the  lake.  It  enjoys  unrivalled  facilities  for  man- 
ufacturing, and  in  the  article  of  flour  it  has  produced,  with 
the  exception  of  Rochester,  more  in  one  year  than  any  other 
town  upon  the  continent.  It  is  the  greatest  wheat  market  in 
the  State  and  monopolizes  near  one  half  of  the  whole 
Canadian  trade  with  the  United  States.  Population  18,000. 

KINGSTON,  on  the  Hudson,  ninety  miles  north  of  New  York, 
carries  on  a  more  extensive  trade  than  any  other  town  between 
the  capital  and  the  metropolis.  It  has  numerous  manufac- 
tures, including  those  of  carriages,  steam  boilers,  leather, 
castings,  &c.  It  was  burned  by  the  British  in  1777.  The 
house  is  yet  shown  here  in  which  the  first  constitution  of 
New  York  was  framed  and  adopted.  Population  17,000. 

NEWBURG,  on  the  Hudson,  sixty  miles  above  New  York,  is 
built  upon  ground  which  rises  gradually  from  the  river  to 
the  height  of  300  feet,  affording  a  magnificent  view  of  the 
Highlands  and  the  Hudson,  which  is  here  one  mile  wide. 
The  adjacent  country  is  noted  for  its  extensive  dairies. 
This  town  was  the  theatre  of  several  im  portant  events  during 


UNITED    STATES.  65 

the  American  revolution,  and  here  the  army  was  disbanded, 
June  23rd,  1783.     Population  15,000. 

POUGHKEEPSIE,  on  the  Hudson,  seventy  miles  south  of 
Albany,  is  surrounded  by  a  rich  agricultural  country  and  is 
the  centre  of  an  active  trade.  It  is  the  seat  of  the  State  and 
National  Law  School.  It  comprises  manufactures  of  cotton 
goods,  machinery,  farming  implements,  iron  ware,  guns,  car- 
pets, earthenware,  flour  and  leather.  Population  14,700. 

LOCKPORT,  in  Niagara  county,  is  a  thriving  town  with  large  manufacturing 
establishments,  especially  those  of  flour.  Large  quarries  of  limestone  and 
sandstone  flagging  are  worked  at  this  place.  Population  14,000. 

AUBURN,  in  Cayuga  County,  near  Owasco  lake,  is  a  handsomely  built 
town,  its  buildings  being  generally  adorned  with  beautiful  gardens  and  or- 
namental shrubbery.  Here  the  Auburn  State  Prison  is  erected,  which  has 
become  so  famous  for  its  peculiar  system  of  prison  discipline.  Population 
12,000. 

SCIIENECTADY,  one  of  the  oldest  towns  of  New  York,  is  built  upon  the 
Mohawk,  sixteen  miles  N.  W.  of  the  capital,  and  it  contains  numerous  man- 
factures.  Population  10,000. 

ROME,  on  the  Mohawk,  14  miles  northwest  of  Utica,  is  a  considerable 
lumber  market.  It  occupies  the  site  of  old  Fort  Stanwix.  Population  10,000. 

ELMIRA,  in  Chemung  County,  is  a  rapidly  growing  town,  with 8,000  inhabi- 
tants. It  is  the  seat  of  a  flourishing  female  college. 

BINGHAMPTON,  in  Broome  county,  is  a  brisk  town,  carrying  on  an  exten- 
sive flour  and  lumber  trade.  Population  8,000. 

ITHACA,  is  a  handsome  town  of  Tompkins  County,  with  8,000  inhabitants. 

OGDENSBURG,  situated  on  the  river  St.  Lawrence,  carries  on  a  considerable 
commerce  with  Canada.  It  has  been  visited  by  two  destructive  fires,  one  in 
April  IGth,  1839,  and  the  other,  September  lst,^1852.  Population  7,000. 

GENEVA,  built  on  the  north  end  of  Seneca  Lake,  is  a  handsome  town, 
with  6,000  inhabitants. 

CANANDAIGUA,  located  at  the  northern  extremity  of  the  lake  so  called,  is 
distinguished  both  for  the  beauty  of  its  situation,  and  the  elegance  of  its 
buildings.  Population  6,000. 

COUNTY    CAPITALS. 

1.  ALBANY.  2.  Angelica.  3.  Binghampton.  4.  Ellicottville.  5.  Auburn. 
6.  Maysville.  7.  Elmira.  8.  Norwich.  9.  Plattsburg.  10.  Hudson.  11. 
Cortland  Village.  12.  Delhi.  13.  Poughkeepsie.  14.  Buffalo.  15.  Eliza- 
bethtown.  16.  Malone.  17.  Johnstown.  ]8.  Batavia.  19.  Catskill.  20. 
Lake  Pleasant,  21.  Herkimer.  22.  Watertown.  23.  Brooklyn.  24.  Mar- 
tinsburg.  25.  Genesee.  26.  Morrisville.  27.  Rochester.  28.  Fonda. 
29.  New  York,  30.  Lockport.  31.  Rome  and  Whitesborough.  32.  Syra- 
cuse. 33.  Canandaigua.  34.  Goshen  and  Newburg.  35.  Albion.  36. 
Oswego  and  Pulaski.  37.  Cooperstown.  38.  Carmel.  39.  North  Hemp- 
stead.  40.  Troy.  41.  Richmond.  42.  Clarkstown.  43.  Ballston  Spa. 
44.  Schenectady.  45.  Schoharie.  46.  Havana.  47.  Ovid  and  Waterloo. 
48.  Canton.  49.  Bath.  50.  Riverhead.  51.  Monticello.  52.  Owego. 
53.  Ithica.  54.  Kingston.  55.  Caldwell.  56.  Salem  and  Sandy  Hill. 
57-  Lyons.  68,  White  Plains  and  Bedford.  59.  Warsaw,  60.  Penn  Yan. 


66  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND-BOOK. 

NEW  JERSEY. 

Area  8,320  square  miles.     Population  672,000. 

New  Jersey  is  one  of  the  original  thirteen  States  of  the 
American  Union,  and  was  first  settled  by  the  Dutch,  at  Ber- 
gen, between  1617  and  1620.  Afterwards  the  territory  was 
granted,  by  the  Duke  of  York,  to  Lords  Berkeley  and  Carteret, 
and  was  named  in  honor  of  the  latter,  who  had  been  Gover- 
nor of  the  Isle  of  Jersey.  It  is  bounded,  north  by  New  York, 
east  by  the  same  and  the  Atlantic,  south  by  the  Delaware  bay, 
and  west  by  Delaware  and  Pennsylvania,  and  it  contains  21 
counties. 

Surface,  $c. — The  southern  half  of  the  State  is  level,  and 
the  northern  hilly  and  mountainous.  The  Blue  Ridge  lies 
on  the  northwest  boundary,  and  south  of  this,  several  ranges 
of  the  Alleghanies  cross  the  State.  In  the  northwest  are 
some  remarkable  elevations,  including  the  Palisades,  a  rajige 
of  rocks,  running  along  the  Hudson  for  about  twenty  miles  ; 
also  the  Neversink  Hills,  below  Raritan.  The  northern  part 
is  adapted  to  agriculture  and  grazing;  but  the  southern  is 
naturally  sterile. 

Rivers. — The  principal  rivers  are  the  Delaware,  which 
forms  the  western  boundary,  and  the  Hudson,  forming  part 
of  the  eastern  border.  The  Passaic  rises  in  the  north,  and 
flows  south  into  Newark  Bay. 

Climate. — The  cold  is  much  less  severe  in  this  State  than 
in  Pennsylvania,  owing  to  its  proximity  ,  to  the  ocean.  The 
climate,  however,  is  quite  variable,  in  the  different  portions, 
being  much  greater  in  the  northern  hilly  regions  than  in  the 
low  southern  parts. 

Products. — The  products  are  near  the  same  as  those  of  the 
middle  states  generally.  The  central  portion  is  the  most  fer- 
tile, and  forms  the  great  market  garden  from  which  Phila- 
delphia and  New  York  are  principally  supplied. 

Manufactures. — New  Jersey  is  extensively  engaged  in 
manufactures  of  cotton,  woolen,  and  silk  goods.  She  is  like- 
wise considerably  employed  in  the  manufacture  of  iron,  glass, 
leather,  &c. 

Education. — New  Jersey  has  done  her  part  towards  the 
advancement  of  the  Free  School  system  of  education,  and  the 
manner  in  which  her  people  appreciate  it  is  manifest  from  the 
intelligence  which  the  masses  display.  Not  only  in  the  es- 


UNITED    STATES.  6? 

tablishment  of  common  schools  does  she  show  her  apprecia- 
tion of  learning,  but  her  superior  institutions  likewise  entitle 
her  to  a  distinguished  position.  Princeton  College  has  long 
been  celebrated,  and  has  educated  some  of  the  most  famed 
men  of  the  nation.  It  was  founded  in  1746;  Rutger's  College, 
at  New  Brunswick,  in  1770;  and  Burlington  College,  at  Bur- 
lington, in  1846. 

Curiosities. — The  Falls  of  the  Passaic  at  Patterson,  seventy 
feet  high ;  the  passage  of  the  Delaware  through  the  Blue 
Mountains,  called  the  Delaware  Water  Gap ;  Schooley's  moun- 
tain, in  Morris  county,  with  a  mineral  spring  upon  its  summit, 
are  all  objects  of  considerable  attraction  for  travellers. 

Government. — The  Governor  is  elected  for  three  years. 
The  Senate  of  20,  and  the  House  of  Representatives  of 
60  members,  compose  the  General  Assembly,  the  former 
being  elected  for  three  years,  and  the  latter  annually.  The 
present  Constitution  was  adopted  in  1844. 

COUNTIES. 

1.  Atlantic.  8.  Gloucester.  15.  Ocean. 

2.  Bergen.  9.  Hudson.  16.  Passaic. 

3.  Burlington.  10.  Hunterdon.  17.  Salem. 

4.  Camden.  11.  Mercer.  18.  Somerset. 

5.  Cape  May.  12.  Middlesex.  19.  Sussex. 
(>.  Cumberland.  13.  Monmouth.  20.  Union. 
7.  Essex.  14.  Morris.  21.  Warren. 

NEWARK,  the  largest  city  of  New  Jersey,  is  situated  on  the 
right  bank  of  the  Passaic  river,  four  miles  from  its  mouth. 
Its  streets  are  regular,  intersecting  each  other  at  right  angles. 
Broad  Street,  the  principal  thoroughfare,  is  one  of  the  most 
handsome  avenues  in  any  city,  and  is  bordered  by  beautiful 
parks  each  adorned  with  lofty  elms.  The  public  buildings 
worthy  of  notice  are  the  Court  House,  an  edifice  built  in  the 
Egyptian  style;  the  Railroad  Depot,  and  the  Library  build- 
ing, which  is  one  of  the  finest  structures  of  the  city.  New- 
ark contains  many  handsome  churches.  The  inhabitants  of 
this  city  have  long  been  noted  for  their  intelligence,  and  for 
the  spirit  they  display  in  the  advancement  of  science  and  lit- 
erature. The  rapid  growth  of  this  city  is  chiefly  to  be 
attributed  to  its  manufactures,  in  which  it  has  long  excelled. 
Population  72,000. 

TRENTON,  the  capital  of  New  Jersey,  situated  on  the  Dela- 
ware, thirty  miles  above  Philadelphia,  at  the  head  of  sloop 
and  steamboat  navigation,  is  a  handsome  and  regularly  built 


68  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND-BOOK. 

city,  and  is  rapidly  becoming  one  of  the  great  manufacturing 
towns  of  the  State.  It  is  the  seat  of  the  State  Lunatic 
Asylum  and  also  of  the  Penitentiary.  The  capitol  is  a  hand- 
some structure,  100  feet  by  60,  and  it  commands  a  fine  view 
of  the  Delaware  in  both  directions.  Trenton  is  memorable  in 
revolutionary  annals  for  the  battle  fought  here,  December  26th, 
1777,  in  which  Gen.  Washington  defeated  the  enemy  and 
captured  1000  Hessian  prisoners.  Population  17,000. 

JERSEY  CITY,  on  the  Hudson,  opposite  New  York,  is  a 
flourishing  place  and  the  American  station  of  the  Cunard 
line  of  steamships,  running  between  New  York  and  Liver- 
pool. Population  30,000. 

PATERSON,  situated  on  the  Passaic,  below  the  falls,  is  one 
of  the  principal  manufacturing  towns  in  the  State.  Its  man- 
ufactures of  cotton  and  woolen  are  very  great  and,  those  of 
silk  are  amongst  the  most  extensive  in  the  United  States. 
Population  20,000. 

CAMDEN,  on  the  Delaware  river,  opposite  Philadelphia,  is  a 
very  handsome  town,  with  considerable  manufactures.  Pop- 
ulation 14,000. 

ELIZABETH  CITY,  on  Elizabeth  Creek,  2  miles  from  Staten 
Island  Sound,  is  noted  for  its  excellent  schools,  and  for  the 
intelligence  and  politeness  of  its  citizens.  Population  1 1,000. 

NEW  BRUNSWICK,  on  the  right  bank  of  the  Raritan  river,  is  the  seat  of  a 
Theological  Seminary  and  of  Rutger's  College,  one  of  the  oldest  institutions 
in  the  State.  Population  11,000. 

HOBOKEN,  on  the  Hudson,  opposite  New  York,  is  noted  as  a  place  of  vast 
resort  and  recreation  for  the  citizens  of  New  York  ;  and  also  for  its  delight- 
ful scenery,  called  the  "  Elysian  Fields."  Population  9,000. 

PRINCETON,  10  miles  northeast  of  Trenton,  is  the  seat  of  Princeton  College, 
and  is  memorable  for  the  battle  fought  here  in  1777,  between  Washington 
and  Col.  May  hood. 

BORDENTOWN,  on  the  Delaware,  is  chiefly  noted  for  being  the  place  where 
Joseph  Bonaparte,  the  ex-king  of  Spain,  took  up  his  abode  for  some  years. 

CAPE  ISLAND,  usually  knowa  by  the  name  of  Cape  May,  in  the  county  so 
named,  is  one  of  the  most  fashionable  places  of  summer  resort  in  the  United 
States.  Of  its  hotels  may  be  mentioned  the  Mount  Vernon,  the  dining 
room  of  which  is  perhaps  not  surpassed  in  size  by  any  other  in  the  world, 
being  460  feet  long  and  66  wide,  and  designed  to  accomodate  2,000  persons. 

ATLANTIC  CITY  and  LONG  BRANCH,  are  likewise  fashionable  watering  places. 

COUNTY  CAPITALS. 

1.  Cape  May  Landing,  2.  Hackensuck.  3.  Mount  Holly.  4.  Camden. 
5.  Cape  May  Court  House.  6.  Bridgeton.  7.  Newark.  8.  Woodbury. 
9.  Jersey  City.  10.  Flemington.  11.  TRENTON.  12.  New  Brunswick. 
13.  Freehold.  14.  Morristown.  15.  Tom's  River.  16.  Paterson.  17. 
Salem.  18.  Somerville.  19.  Newton.  20.  Elizabeth.  21.  Belvidere. 


UNITED    STATES.  69 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

Area  46,000  square  miles.     Population  2,906,000. 

Pennsylvania  ranks  next  to  New  York,  in  wealth  and  im- 
portance ;  her  system  of  railroads  and  canals  being  very 
extensive  and  productive.  The  celebrated  Quaker,  William 
Penn,  who  in  1682,  left  England  for  America,  was  the  founder 
of  this  important  State  of  the  Union,  of  which  he  at  once  was 
Governor,  magistrate,  preacher,  teacher,  and  laborer.  All 
things  based  upon  Penn's  wise  principles  went  on  prosper- 
ously in  Pennsylvania,  till  the  year  1754,  when  Penn  and  his 
pacific  teachings  had  begun  to  be  forgotten,  and  the  colony 
became  involved  in  an  Indian  war,  which  terminated  in  1756, 
by  the  treaty  of  Easton,  when  500  Indian  representatives  were 
present  in  their  national  costume.  Pennsylvania  played  a 
prominent  part  in  the  struggle  of  the  Colonies  against  English 
despotism  and  tyranny,  the  first  General  Congress  of  the 
Colonies  being  opened  September  4th,  1774,  at  Philadelphia; 
the  2nd  Congress  met  likewise  in  Philadelphia,  May  20th, 
1775 ;  the  3rd  Congress  convened  in  the  same  place,  May, 
]  776,  and  on  the  4th  of  July,  in  the  same  year,  the  Declara- 
tion of  Independence  was  there  signed.  It  is  bounded  north 
by  Lake  Erie  and  New  York,  east  by  the  same  and  New 
Jersey,  south  by  Delaware,  Maryland  and  Virginia,  and  west 
by  Virginia  and  Ohio.  It  contains  66  counties. 

Surface,  S?c. — Pennsylvania  exhibits  a  great  variety  of  sur- 
face and  soil.  The  mountains,  which  are  numerous,  abound- 
ing in  extreme  beauty  of  scenery,  are  not  confusedly  scattered 
over  the  State,  but  extend  in  long  uniform  ridges,  mostly 
covered  with  wood.  The  Alleghany  mountains  in  the  south- 
west part,  are  the  loftiest.  Generally,  the  soil  is  better  suited 
for  grain  than  for  pasturage.  The  two  best  tracts  of  land 
are,  one  in  the  southeast  part  of  the  State,  along  the  Susque- 
hanna,  the  other  in  the  northwest,  between  lake  Erie  and 
the  Alleghany  river.  Limestone  almost  everywhere  abounds, 
which  enables  the  farmer  to  keep  up  the  strength  of  his  land 
by  the  use  of  this  excellent  manure. 

Rivers. — The  principal  rivers  are  the  Delaware,  which 
forms  its  eastern  boundary,  the  Susquehanna,  flowing  south- 
east into  the  Chesapeake  Bay,  and  the  Ohio,  formed  at  Pitts- 
burg,  by  the  confluence  of  the  Alleghany  and  Monongahela. 

Climate. — From  the  size  of  this  State,  a  great  variety  of 


70  GEOGRAPHICAL    HAND   BOOK. 

climate  is  experienced.  In  the  northern  parts  deep  snows 
sometimes  fall  and  cover  the  ground  for  a  couple  of  months; 
but  in  the  southern,  the  snow  usually  melts  soon.  The  cli- 
mate is  also  changeable  and  liable  to  sudden  extremes,  varying 
from  the  heat  of  Georgia  to  the  cold  of  .Canada.  The  sum- 
mers are  moderately  warm,  and  the  State  is  esteemed  very 
healthy. 

Products. — The  staples  are  wheat  and  corn,  and  in  general 
the  same  kinds  of  grain  are  cultivated  here  as  in  New  York. 
Hemp  is  raised  extensively  in  the  western  part  of  the  State. 
Peaches  flourish  remarkably  well,  and  wine  is  made  to  some 
extent  from  wild  grapes.  Large  quantities  of  maple  sugar 
are  also  annually  manufactured. 

Minerals. — Iron  is  found  in  vast  quantities ;  coal  abounds 
on  the  Susquehanna,  about  Pittsburg,  and  in  many  other 
parts  of  the  State.  Its  supply  is  inexhaustible.  Lead  has 
been  found  near  the  Schuylkiil,  and  various  quarries  of  mar- 
ble have  been  opened.  Petroleum  or  coal  oil  has  recently 
been  obtained  in  large  quantities  in  the  northwestern  part  of 
the  State.  Salt  springs  are  numerous  west  of  the  Alleghanies. 

Manufactures. — Pennsylvania  excels  all  the  other  States 
in  the  variety  of  her  manufactures,  some  of  which  are  of 
superior  excellency,  particularly  the  articles  of  paper  and  cast 
iron.  Printing  and  engraving  are  also  executed  at  Philadel- 
phia in  a  very  superior  style. 

Education. — The  University  of  Pennsylvania,  at  Philadel- 
phia, founded  in  1749,  with  which  is  connected  a  medical 
school,  considered  the  most  respectabie  in  the  Union ;  the 
University  at  Lewisburg,  founded  in  1849,  and  the  Univer- 
sity at  Alleghany  City,  are  thriving  and  excellent  institutions. 
Several  colleges  are  established :  Dickinson  College,  at  Carlisle, 
founded  in  1783;  Jefferson  college,  at  Canonsburg,  founded 
in  1802  ;  Washington  college,  at  Washington,  founded  in 
1806;  Alleghany  College,  at  fMeadville,  founded  in  1817; 
Pennsylvania  College,  at  Gettysburg,  founded  in  1832;  Lafay- 
ette College,  at  Easton,  founded  in  1832;  Franklin  &  Marshall 
College,  at  Lancaster,  founded  in  1836  ;  and  the  Polytechnic 
College,  at  Philadelphia,  founded  in  1853.  Besides  these,  a 
great  number  of  academies  are  erected  all  over  the  State. 

Mineral  Springs. — Pennsylvania  has  also  in  this  respect, 
a  respectable  share.  The  Ephrata  Springs,  near  Lancaster, 


UNITED    STATES.  71 

the  Sulphur  Springs,  at  Carlisle,  and  the  Bedford  Springs,  at 
Bedford,  are  all  considered  as  having  curative  powers,  and 
are  places  of  resort. 

Government. — The  Legislature  consists  of  a  Senate  of  thirty- 
three  members,  chosen  for  three  years,  and  a  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives of  one  hundred  members,  elected  annually.  The 
Governor  is  elected  for  a  term  of  three  years.  The  Legisla- 
ture holds  its  sessions  annually  at  Harrisburg,  and  this  city 
is  also  the  residence  of  the  Governor. 

Inhabitants. — The  inhabitants  of  this  State  are  of  various 
descent.  About  half  are  English,  a  fourth  part  German,  the 
rest  are  Irish,  Scotch,  Welsh,  Swedes,  and  Dutch  ;  the  Ger- 
mans are  particularly  distinguished  for  industry  and  economy. 
They  speak  still,  to  some  extent,  German,  which,  however,  is 
so  corrupt,  that  it  may  properly  be  called  a  mere  medley. 

COUNTIES. 

1.  Adams.  23.  Delaware.  45.  Montgomery. 

2.  Alleghany.  24.  Elk.  46.  Montour. 

3.  Armstrong.  25.  Erie.  47.  Northumberland. 

4.  Beaver.  26.  Fayette.  48.  Northampton. 

5.  Bedford.  27.  Forest.  49.  Perry. 

6.  Berks.  28.  Franklin.  50.  Philadelphia. 

7.  Blair.  29.  Fulton.  51.  Pike. 

8.  Bradford.  30.  Greene.  52.  Potter. 

9.  Bucks.  31.  Huntingdon.  63.  Schuylkill. 

10.  Butler.  32.  Indiana. ,  54.  Snyder. 

11.  Cambria.  33.  Jefferson',  55.  Somerset. 

12.  Cameron.  34.  Juniata.  66.  Sullivan. 

13.  Carbon.  35.  Lancaster.  57.  Susquehanna. 

14.  Centre.  36.   Lawrence.  58.  Tioga. 

15.  Chester.  37.  Lebanon.  59.  Union. 

16.  Clarion.  38.  Lehigh.  60.  Venango. 

17.  Clearfield.  39.  Luzerne.  61.  Warren. 

18.  Clinton.  40.  Lycoming.  62.  Washington. 

19.  Columbia,  41.  McKean.  63.  Wayne. 

20.  Crawford.  42.  Mercer.  64.  Westmoreland. 

21.  Cumberland.  43.  Mifflin.  65.  Wyoming. 

22.  Dauphin.  44.  Monroe.  66.  York. 

PHILADELPHIA,  next  to  New  York,  the  largest  and  most 
populous  city  of  the  Union,  is  situated  between  the  Schuyl- 
kill and  the  Delaware  rivers.  It  is  a  place  of  great  commerce, 
and  also  one  of  the  most  extensive  manufacturing  cities  of 
the  Union.  It  contains  numerous  humane  and  literary  insti- 
tutions, many  libraries,  theatres,  hospitals  and  alms  houses. 
In  the  year  1743  the  American  Philosophical  Society  was  here 
established.  The  most  noted  edifices  of  this  city  are :  the 


72  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND-BOOK. 

State  House,  Girard  College,  the  Custom  House,  the  United 
States  Mint,  the  Merchants'  Exchange,  besides  numerous  other 
large  and  costly  structures.  The  most  attractive  place  of  in- 
terest in  Philadelphia,  is  the  room  in  the  State  House  where 
the  Declaration  of  Independence,  the  great  Magna  Charta  of 
American  liberty  was  proclaimed,  July  4th,  1776.  Girard 
College,  situated  about  two  miles  northwest  of  the  State 
House,  exhibits  the  finest  specimen  of  Grecian  architecture  in 
the  whole  Union.  The  building  is  169  feet  in  length,  by  111 
in  breadth,  and  is  surrounded  by  a  magnificent  colonnade  of 
thirty-four  columns,  fifty-five  feet  high  and  6  feet  in  diameter. 
This  noble  edifice  is  due  to  the  magnificent  bequest  of  Ste- 
phen Girard,  a  native  of  France,  who  came  about  the  year 
1760,  poor  and  friendless  to  America  and  settled  in  Philadel- 
phia, where  he  died  December  26th,  1831.  Philadelphia  was 
on  the  27th  of  September,  1777,  taken  possession  of  by  the 
British  army,  and  on  the  4th  of  October  the  battle  of  German- 
town  took  place.  Here  was  the  general  place  of  meeting  of  the 
Colonial  Congress  during  the  gloomy  period  of  the  Revolution, 
and  in  this  city  assembled,  in  May,  1787,  the  Convention 
which  adopted  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States.  The 
great  American  statesman  and  natural  philosopher,  Benjamin 
Franklin,  lived  in  Philadelphia'the  greater  part  of  his  life,  and 
here  he  died,  April  17,  1790,  and  the  city  of  brotherly  love  is 
rightfully  proud  of  having  sheltered  him,  "  qui  eripuit  coelo 
fulmen,  sceptrumque  tyrannis."  Water  is  brought  to  the 
city  by  means  of  the  Fairmount  water  works,  situated  in  the 
district  of  Spring  Garden,  on  the  Schuylkill  river,  about  two 
miles  north  west  of  the  State  House.  Population  about  600,000. 

HARRISBURG,  the  Capital  and  seat  of  government,  situated 
on  the  east  bank  of  the  Susquehanna,  ninety-eight  miles 
from  Philadelphia,  has  about  14,000  inhabitants.  The  capi- 
tol  is  a  fine  brick  building,  180  feet  long  and  eighty  wide, 
with  a  circular  portico  in  front,  supported  by  six  Ionic  columns 
and  surmounted  by  a  dome.  This  city  became  the  seat  of 
government  in  1812. 

PITTSBURG,  next  to  Philadelphia  the  largest  city  in  Penn- 
sylvania, formerly  called  Fort  du  Quesne,  is  situated  at  the 
confluence  of  the  Alleghany  and  Monongahela  rivers.  It  has 
an  extensive  commerce,  and  distilleries,  breweries,  furnaces, 
glass-houses,  and  various  other  manufactories  are  establish- 
ed here;  steamboat  building  is  carried  on  with  great 


UNITED    STATES.  T3 

spirit.  November  25th,  1758,  Pittsburg,  at  that  time  called 
Fort  du  Quesne,  suffered  severely  when  taken  by  the  English. 
ALLEGHANY  CITY,  with  the  Alleghany  University,  commonly 
called  the  Western  University,  is  by  bridges  united  to  Pitts- 
burg,  both  considered  one  city,  numbering  about  50,000. 

READING,  on  the  Schuylkill  river  fifty-eight  miles  from  Phil- 
adelphia, is  one  of  the  largest  inland  towns  in  the  Union,  and 
has  great  manufactures.  It  is  compactly  and  regularly  built, 
and  intersected  by  clean  smooth  rectangular  streets,  which 
are  covered  with  a  hard  white  gravel  obtained  from  the  sand- 
stone of  the  adjacent  hills.  Reading  is  noted  for  its  vast  coal 
and  lumber  business.  Population  23,000. 

LANCASTER,  situated  sixty-eight  miles  west  of  Philadelphia, 
in  the  centre  of  a  rich  and  highly  agricultural  county  of  the 
same  name,  appropriately  termed  the  garden  of  the  Keystone^ 
is  a  handsome  city  with  considerable  manufactures,  and  18,- 
000  inhabitants.  The  new  Court  House  is  a  magnificent 
edifice  near  the  centre  of  the  city,  built  in  the  Grecian  style 
of  architecture.  Twenty  miles  from  Lancaster  is  the  birth- 
place of  the  celebrated  Robert  Fulton. 

WILKESIJAIIRK,  a  beautiful  town  in  Luzerne  co.,  close  by  the  Wyoming 
Valley,  sadly  celebrated  for  the  massacre,  1778,  which  the  savage  Indians 
headed  by  the  cruel  Brant,  perpetrated  on  the  white  colonists,  of  whom 
310  were  murdered  in  the  most  cruel  manner. 

WEST  CHESTER,  in  Chester  county,  is  a  snug  little  inland  town  mostly  set- 
tled by  Quakers.  About  2  miles  from  here,  flows  the  celebrated  Brandywine 
creek.  On  the  llth  of  September,  1777,  a  severe  battle  took  place  upon  the 
banks  of  this  stream,  between  the  English  and  Americans,  which  lasted 
nearly  all  day.  The  Americans  were  defeated  with  great  loss.  Among  the 
wonnded,  was  the  Marquis  de  Lafayette,  who  had  only  just  arrived  from 
France.  Count  Pulaski,  fought  for  America  for  the  first  tirae  in  this  battle. 

CHESTER,  in  Delaware  co.,  is  noted  as  the  oldest  town  in  the  State,  settled 
hy  the  Swedes  in  1043.  Five  miles  north  of  this,  the  celebrated  painter 
Benjamin  West  was  born,  1738. 

EASTON,  in  Northampton  county,  is  a  smart  town,  with 
quite  a  large  trade,  situated  at  the  confluence  of  the  Lehigh 
and  Delaware  rivers.  Treaty  of  Easton,  1756.  Population 
9,000. 

EKIE,  is  a  pleasant  town  on  lake  Erie.  Its  situation  is  high 
and  healthy,  and  it  commands  an  extensive  view  of  the  ma- 
jestic lake  and  the  adjacent  country.  It  has  a  large  and  spa- 
cious harbor,  is  an  important  place  of  outfit  for  vessels,  and 
its  trade  is  flourishing.  Population  9,000. 

PoTTsviLLE,on  the  Schuylkill  river  in  the  county  of  Schuyl- 
kill, is  the  centre  of  an  immense  coal  trade,  which  mineral 

E 


74  GEOGRAPHICAL   HAND   BOOK. 

is  abundantly  furnished  by  the  sterile  and  rugged  hills  with 
which  it  is  surrounded.  This  town  was  commenced  in  1825, 
since  which  time  its  growth  has  been  quite  rapid.  Popula- 
tion 10,000. 

SCRANTON,  in  Luzerne  cpunty,  sixteen  miles  northeast  of  Wilkesbarre,  is 
a  rapidly  growing  town  with  extensive  furnaces,  founderies  and  rolling  mills. 
Iron  ore  is  obtained  in  great  abundance  in  the  vicinity.  Population  0,000. 

ALLENTOWN,  in  Lehigh  county,  occupies  a  high  and  heal- 
thy location  upon  the  west  bank  of  the  Lehigh  river,  eighteen 
miles  above  its  junction  with  the  Delaware.  This  town  has 
recently  become  an  important  central  point  for  supplies  of 
iron  ore  and  anthracite  coal,  and  several  large  blast  furnaces 
are  in  operation  in  the  vicinity.  Here  the  first  Lutheran 
church  in  America  was  erected,  upon  the  spot  where  the 
Egyptian  church  now  stands.  Population  9,000. 

CARLISLE,  one  of  the  most  handsome  towns  in  the  State,  is  situated  in  the 
rich  and  highly  cultivated  Cumberland  valley.  It  contains  barracks  belong- 
ing to  the  General  Government,  built  in  1777,  chiefly  by  Hessian  prisoners, 
who  were  captured  at  Trenton.  During  the  Whisky  Insurrection  in  1794, 
Gen.  Washington  had  his  head  quarters  at  this  place,  and  some  years  pre- 
vious Major  Andre  spent  a  short  time  here  as  a  prisoner  of  war.  Four  miles 
north  of  Carlisle  are  the  Sulphur  Springs,  a  pleasant  summer  resort.  Pop- 
ulation 6,000. 

YORK,  in  the  county  of  the  same  name,  is  a  considerable  inland  town,  with 
good  trade,  situated  between  Harrisburg  and  Baltimore,  and  has  9,000  in- 
habitants. In  1~77  the  Continental  Congress  met  here  while  the  British  held 
possession  of  Philadelpnia. 

BETHLEHEM,  situated  on  the  Lehigh,  eleven  miles  aboveEaston,  is  a  pleas- 
ant summer  resort.  This  town  was  settled  in  1741,  by  the  Moravians,  and 
its  female  seminary  enjoys  a  high  reputation. 


COUNTY  CAPITALS. 

1.  Gettysburg.  2.  Pittsburg.  3.  Kittanning.  4.  Beaver.  5.  Bedford. 
G.  Beading.  7.  Hollidaysburg.  8.  Towanda.  9.  Doylestown.  10.  Butler. 
11.  Ebensburg.  12.  Shippen.  33.  Mauch  Chunk.  14.  Bellefonte. 
15.  West  Chester.  16.  Clarion.  17.  Clearfield.  18.  Lock  Haven.  11). 
Bloomsburg.  20.  Meadville.  21.  Carlisle.  22.  HARRISBURG.  23.  Media. 
24.  Ridgeway.  25.  Erie.  26.  Uniontown.  27.  Marion.  28.  Chambersburg. 
29.  McConnelsburg.  30.  Waynesburg.  31.  Huntingdon.  32.  Indiana.  33. 
Brookville.  34  Mifflintown.  35.  Lancaster.  36.  New  Castle.  37.  Leba- 
non. 38.  Allentown.  39.  Wilkesbarre.  40.  Williamsport.  41.  Smeth- 
port.  42.  Mercer.  43.  Lewistown.  44.  Stroudsburg.  45.  Norristown. 
46.  Danville.  47.  Sunbury.  48.  Easton.  49.  Bloomfield.  50.  Philadel- 
phia. 51.  Milford.  52.  Coudersport.  53.  Pottsville.  54.  Middleburg. 
55.  Somerset.  56.  Laporte.  57.  Montrose.  58.  Wellsborough.  59.  Low- 
isburg.  GO.  Franklin.  61.  Warren.  62.  Washington.  63.  Honesdale. 
64.  Greensburg.  65.  Tuukhannock.  66.  York. 


UNITED    STATES.  75 

DELAWARE. 

Area  2,120  square  miles.   Population  1 12,000.  Slaves  1,798. 

Delaware,  next  to  Rhode  Island,  the  smallest  State  in  the 
Union,  was  originally  settled  by  the  Swedes  and  Finns,  at 
Cape  Henlopen,  in  1637,  and  was  named  by  them  New 
Sweden. 

It  lies  between  the  Delaware  bay  and  the  Atlantic  on  the 
east,  and  Maryland  on  the  west,  and  contains  3  counties. 

Surface. — The  general  aspect  resembles  an  extended  plain ; 
but  the  northern  part  is  undulating.  In  the  south  is  the  Cy- 
press Swamp,  twelve  miles  long  and  six  wide,  which  is  in- 
fested with  noxious  reptiles. 

Rivers. — The  most  important  streams  are  the  Brandywine, 
and  Christiana  creeks,  affluents  of  the  Delaware  river. 

Climate. — The  climate  is  in  general  mild.  The  northern 
parts  enjoy  a  salubrious  atmosphere,  but  in  the  soujh,  epi- 
demics prevail. 

Products. — The  principal  product  is  wheat ;  but  corn,  rye, 
barley,  buckwheat  and  potatoes  are  also  grown. 

Manufactures. — The  manufacturing  industry  of  Delaware 
employs  itself  chiefly  in  the  articles  of  powder,  paper  and 
flour ;  and  at  Wilmington  ship-building  is  prosecuted  with 
considerable  spirit. 

Education. — Delaware  College,  at  Newark,  founded  in 
1833,  and  St.  Mary's  College,  at  Wilmington,  founded  in  1847, 
are  institutions  of  promising  fame. 

Curiosities. — The  passage  of  the  Delaware  Canal,  four 
miles  in  length,  through  a  hill  ninety  feet  high,  is  the  deepest 
cut  of  the  kind  in  the  world,  and  an  object  of  interest  to  the 
curious. 

Government. — The  Governor  is  elected  for  four  years,  a 
Senate  of  9  members  for  the  same  period,  and  a  House  of 
Representatives  of  21  members,  for  two  years. 

COUNTIES. 

1.  New  Castle.  2.  Kent.  3.  Sussex. 

WILMINGTON,  the  most  important  and  populous  city  of 
Delaware,  is  situated  at  the  confluence  of  Christiana  creek 
with  the  Brandywine.  It  is  regularly  planned  and  well  built, 
with  wide  and  straight  streets,  and  the  houses  are  generally 
constructed  of  brick.  Wilmington  has  long  been  celebrated 
for  its  manufactures,  the  most  important  of  which  are  steaxn 


76  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND-BOOK. 

engines,  railway  cars,  railroad  wheels,  steamboats,  locomo- 
tives, and  car  springs,  iron,  cotton  and  woollen  goods,  pow- 
der and  flour.  Its  flouring  mills  have  the  reputation  of  being 
amongst  the  best  in  the  United  States.  Population  22,000. 

DOVER,  the  capital,  is  situated  on  Jones'  creek,  five  miles 
from  Delaware  bay.  It  contains  a  fine  State  House,  with  an 
open  lawn  and  many  handsome  buildings.  Population 
5,000. 

NEW  CASTLE,  on  the  Delaware,  is  a  considerable  manu- 
facturing town,  with  an  active  trade. 

SMYRNA,  thirty-six  miles  south  of  Wilmington,  next  to 
which  city  it  ranks  as  the  second  in  commercial  importance 
in  the  State. 

NEWARK  is  the  seat  of  Delaware  College. 

COUNTY    CAPITALS. 

1.  New  Castle.     2.  Dover.     3.  Georgetown. 

SOUTHERN  STATES. 

Area  638,410.     Population  8,316,800.    Slaves  3,220,260. 

The  Southern  States  comprise  Maryland,  Virginia,  North 
Carolina,  South  Carolina,  Georgia,  Florida,  Alabama,  Missis- 
sippi, Louisiana,  Texas,  and  the  District  of  Columbia.  These 
States  extend  from  the  Susqnehanna  to  the  Rio  Grande;  arid 
are  washed  by  the  Atlantic  on  the  East  and  by  the  Gulf  of  Mex- 
ico on  the  South.  Along  the  eastern  coast,  to  a  considerable 
distance  from  the  sea  shore,  the  land  is  low,  sandy,  and  gen- 
erally barren,  except  near  rivers  and  bays.  This  section 
abounds  in  pine  forests,  and  is  known  by  the  name  of  the 
"Pine  Barrens."  The  interior  is  greatly  diversified,  and  has 
a  rich  and  productive  soil.  The  loftiest  mountains  in  the 
Atlantic  States  are  found  in  North  Carolina;  and  a  large  por- 
tion of  Texas  consists  of  prairie.  The  climate  in  the  eastern 
part  is  warm  and  unhealthy;  but  in  the  interior  is  quite  mild 
and  salubrious.  The  chief  products  of  the  northern  part  are 
wheat,  tobacco  and  corn ;  of  the  southern,  rice,  cotton,  and 
sugar;  and  of  the  eastern,  pitch,  tar,  turpentine,  and  lumber. 
The  southern  people  are  principally  engaged  in  agriculture ; 
and  many  of  them  have  large  plantations,  with  numerous 
slaves.  The  wealthy  classes  are  generally  well  educated,  and 
are  noted  for  their  politeness  and  liberal  hospitality.  Amongst 
the  poorer  grades  of  society,  education  is  not  so  generally 


UNITED    STATES.  7f 

disseminated  as  in  the  Eastern  and  Middle  States.  Support- 
ed by  large  incomes,  the  wealthy  are  enabled  to  indulge  in 
various  amusements,  as  their  several  inclinations  may  dic- 
tate. Hunting  and  dancing  are  favorite  recreations ;  and 
music  is  cultivated  with  diligence  and  success.  The  women 
of  the  upper  classes  are  usually  well  educated,  and  are  re- 
puted to  possess  great  refinement  of  manners.  Iron,  coal, 
and  salt  are  found,  especially  in  Virginia;  and  gold  is  mined 
in  some  of  the  Southern  States.  Many  railroads  have  been 
completed,  and  the  southern  people  in  general  manifest  great 
ardor  in  their  efforts  to  advance  the  interests  of  their  country. 
The  inhabitants  are  chiefly  of  British  origin ;  but  in  Florida 
and  Louisiana  many  are  descended  from  the  Spanish  and 
French. 

MARYLAND. 

Area  9,350  square  miles.  Population  687,000.  Slaves  87,000* 

Maryland  is  the  most  irregular  State  in  form  of  any  in  the 
Union,  being  divided  by  the  Chesapeake  Bay  and  the  Sus- 
quehanna  into  two  unequal  sections.  It  was  settled  in  1634 
by  Catholics,  under  Leonard  Calvert,  a  brother  of  Lord  Bal- 
timore, who  had  obtained  from  Charles  the  First,  a  charter 
for  the  territory  embraced  in  its  limits.  It  was  named  in  ho- 
nor of  Henrietta  Maria,  Queen  of  Charles  the  First,  and  the 
early  settlers  at  once  raised  the  standard  of  universal  religious 
toleration.  This  State  was  the  scene  of  no  important  engage- 
ment during  the  revolution:  but  some  of  the  sessions  of  the 
Continental  Congress  were  held  at  Annapolis,  and  here  Wash- 
ington resigned  his  command  at  the  close  of  the  war. 

It  is  bounded  north  by  Pennsylvania,  east  by  Delaware 
and  the  Atlantic,  and  south  and  west  by  Virginia ;  and  it  con- 
tains 21  counties. 

Surface,  $c. — On  both  shores  of  the  Chesapeake  bay  the 
surface  is  level,  and  the  soil  sandy.  The  narrow  strip  along 
the  northern  bank  of  the  Potomac  is  crossed  by  different 
ridges  of  the  Alleghanies,  under  various  names,  none  of  which, 
however,  have  a  great  elevation. 

Rivers. — The  principal  river  is  the  Potomac,  which  forms 
the  southern  boundary  with  Virginia.  The  Susquehanna 
flows  through  the  northeastern  corner  of  the  State,  into  the 
Chesapeake  Bay,  which  extends  northward  within  this  State, 
120  miles,  with  a  breadth  of  from  7  to  20  miles. 


T8  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND   BOOK. 

Climate. — The  State  occupies  a  medium  between  the  ex- 
tremes of  north  and  south,  as  regards  temperature.  She 
experiences  the  mitigating  effects  of  contiguity  to  large  bodies 
of  water,  upon  her  climate ;  yet  along  the  borders  of  the 
Chesapeake  the  miasmatic  exhalations  originate  much  bilious 
fevers  and  ague. 

Products. — Tobacco  is  the  great  staple  of  this  State,  and 
next,  wheat  and  corn.  Great  quantities  of  oats,  rye,  buck- 
wheat, barley,  potatoes,  hay,  &c.,  are  cultivated.  The  chief 
minerals  are  iron  and  coal. 

Manufactures. — Maryland  in  her  relative  amount  of  man- 
ufactures, nearly  approximates  the  northern  states,  as  she  has 
a  large  capital  employed  in  this  branch  of  industry.  Her 
manufacture  of  cotton  and  woolen  goods,  and  of  iron,  whisky 
and  wine,  are  considerable. 

Education. — Although  common  school  education  is  not  so 
general  in  this  as  in  the  Eastern  States,  yet  with  respect  to 
the  means  of  obtaining  a  collegiate,  institutions  are  not  want- 
ing. Here  are  St.  Charles'  College,  at  Ellicott's  Mill,  founded 
in  1805;  Mount  St.  Mary,  at  Emmetsburg,  founded  in  1830; 
St.  James,  in  Washington  county,  founded  in  1842 ;  and 
Washington  College,  at  Chestertown,  founded  in  1783. 

Cariosities. — The  wild  scenery  at  Harper's  Ferry,  where 
the  Potomac  passes  through  the  Blue  Ridge,  Thomas  Jeffer- 
son declared  "  one  of  the  most  stupendous  scenes  in  nature, 
and  well  worth  a  voyage  across  the  Atlantic  to  witness." 
The  fall  of  the  Potomac,  above  Georgetown,  is  one  of  the 
most  interesting  cataracts  in  the  United  States. 

Government. — The  Governor  is  elected  for  four  years.  The 
Senate  of  22  members,  is  chosen  for  the  same  length  of  time, 
and  the  House  of  Representatives  of  74,  for  half  that  period. 

COUNTIES. 

•  ].  Alleghany.  8.  Charles.  15.  Prince  George. 

2.  Anne  Arundel.  0.  Dorchester.  16.  Queen  Anne. 

3.  Baltimore.  10.  Frederick.  17.  St.  Mary's. 

4.  Calvert.  11.  Harford.  ]8.  Somerset. 

5.  Caroline.  12.  Howard.  19.  Talbot. 

0.  Carroll.  13.  Kent.  20.  Washington. 

7.  Cecil.  14.  Montgomery.  21.  Worcester. 

BALTIMORE,  situated  on  the  Patapsco  river,  fourteen  miles 
from  its  entrance  into  the  Chesapeake  Bay,  is  a  large  and 
flourishing  city,  with  a  capacious  and  safe  harbor.  It  is  ad- 


UNITED    STATES.  79 

mirably  located  for  commerce,  and  its  elegant  buildings 
exhibit  a  high  degree  of  wealth  and  enterprise.  Baltimore 
has  been  denominated,  from  its  numerous  structures  of  this 
kind,  the  "  Monumental  City."  The  two  most  noted  of  these 
are :  the  Washington,  and  the  Battle  monument,  the  former 
213,  and  the  latter  55  feet  high.  The  Battle  monument  was 
erected  to  commemorate  those  who  fell  in  the  defence  of  the 
city,  Sept.  12th,  1814.  Of  the  public  buildings  may  be  enu- 
merated :  the  Court  House,  situated  on  Monument  square  and 
Lexington  street ;  the  Exchange,  in  Gay  street,  one  of  the 
largest  and  most  costly  structures  in  the  city;  the  Maryland 
Institute,  in  Baltimore  street,  said  to  be  the  largest  building  " 
ever  erected  in  the  United  States,  for  the  advancement  of  the 
mechanic  arts  ;  and  Calvert  Hall,  at  the  corner  of  Baltimore 
and  Calvert  streets.  Another  object  of  much  interest  to  stran- 
gers is  the  Merchant's  Shot  Tower,  246  feet  high,  said  to  be  the 
loftiest  struct  are  of  the  kind  in  the  world.  Amongst  churches 
the  most  imposing  is  the  Roman  Catholic  Cathedral  on  Mulber- 
ry, between  Charles  and  Cathedral  streets.  This  is  a  magnificent 
granite  structure  190  feet  long,  177  broad,  and  127  high  to  the 
top  of  the  cross  surmounting  the  dome.  The  Cathedral  has 
one  of  the  largest  organs  in  the  United  States,  having  6,000 
pipes  and  36  stops ;  and  two  handsome  paintings,  one  "  the 
Descent  of  Christ  from  the  Cross,"  presented  by  Louis  XVI. 
of  France,  the  other  "  St.  Louis  burying  his  officers  and  soldiers 
slain  before  Tunis,"  presented  by  Charles  X.  The  church  of 
St.  Alphonsus,  that  of  St.  Vincent  de  Paul  and  Grace  church 
are  likewise  all  large  and  costly  edifices.  Baltimore  is  the 
seat  of  the  Roman  Catholic  Primate  of  the  United  States.  It 
contains  numerous  educational  and  literary  institutions, 
and  also  many  erected  for  charitable  and  humane  purposes.  In 
commercial  importance  she  ranks  amongst  the  first  cities  of 
the  Union.  Population  212,000. 

ANNAPOLIS,  situated  on  the  western  shore  of  the  Chesapeake 
Bay,  is  the  capital  of  the  State,  and  a  very  handsome  city. 
The  State  House  occupies  the  centre,  from  which  the  streets 
diverge  in  all  directions.  A  United  States  Naval  Academy 
was  established  here  in  1845.  The  city  was  founded  in  1649, 
and  received  its  present  name,  Annapolis,  (city  of  Anne)  in 
honor  of  Queen  Anne,  who  had  made  several  valuable  pres- 
ents to  the  inhabitants.  Here  Gen.  Washington  resigned  his 


80  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

» 

commission  at  the  close  of  the  Revolutionary  War.  Popula- 
tion 5,000. 

CUMBERLAND,  located  in  the  western  part  of  the  State,  upon 
the  Potomac,  is  a  thriving  town  and  carries  on  an  extensive 
trade.  Au  abundance  of  stove  coal  is  mined  in  the  vicinity. 
Population  8,500. 

FREDERICK,  built  near  the  centre  of  the  State,  is  a  hand- 
some city,  and  in  wealth  and  commercial  importance  regarded 
as  the  second  in  Maryland.  The  houses  are  generally  of 
brick,  and  the  streets  cross  each  other  at  right  angles.  Popu- 
ulation  8,000. 

HAGERSTOWN,  in  the  northern  part  of  the  State,  situated 
near  the  centre  of  a  fertile  and  productive  country,  is  a  hand- 
some town  and  a  place  of  some  trade.  Population  6,000. 

EMMETSBURG,  situated  in  Frederick  county,  is  the  seat  of ,  Mount  St. 
Mary's  College.  Here  the  first  institution  of  the  Sisters  of  Charity  in  the 
United  States  was  established,  in  1809,  by  Mrs.  Eliza  Seton. 

EASTON,  in  Talbot  county,  is  a  brisk  town  containing  a  State  armory. 

CAMBRIDGE,  in  Dorchester  county,  is  a  smart  town. 

DISTRICT  OF  COLUMBIA. 

Area  60  square  miles.     Population  75,000. 

The  District  of  Columbia,  or  the  Federal  District,  lies  on 
the  left  bank  of  the  Potomac,  arid  is  subject  to  the  direct  con- 
trol of  Congress.  It  was  originally  ten  miles  square,  having 
an  area  of  one  hundred  square  miles,  but  the  portion  on  the 
right  bank  of  the  Potomac  was,  in  1846,  re-ceded  to  the  State 
of  Virginia,  leaving  the  District  with  only  sixty  square  miles 
of  territory.  The  portion  now  included  in  the  District,  was 
ceded  to  the  General  Government  by  the  State  of  Maryland, 
and  the  city  bearing  his  name  was  laid  out  in  1791  by  Gen- 
eral Washington,  to  which  place  the  seat  of  government  was 
I3inoved  in  1800. 

WASHINGTON,  the  National  capital,  residence  of  the  Presi- 
dent and  other  executive  officers,  the  place  of  meeting  of  the 
general  Congress,  and  also  the  Foreign  Diplomatic  Corps,  is 
situated  on  the  Potomac,  110  miles  from  its  mouth.  It  is  a 
large  and  handsome  city,  deriving  its  chief  importance  from 
the  regular  meetings  of  the  general  Congress,  and  the  usual  ac- 
companiments of  a  national  capital.  It  contains  an  observatory 
and  many  superb  and  costly  public  edifices,  among  which 
may  be  mentioned  the  National  Capitol,  President's  Mansion, 
Smithsonian  Institute,  Treasury  Buildings,  and  Post  Office; 


UNITED    STATES.  81 

also  an  Arsenal  and  Navy  Yard.  The  Capitol  is  a  splendid 
building  of  while  free  stone,  352  feet  lonc\  built  in  the  shape 
of  a  cross,  having  the  Representatives'  Hrdl  and  Senate 
Chamber  in  the  two  wings,  and  a  spacious  Rotunda  in  the 
centre.  The  Representatives'  Hall  is  semi-ciiTulai,  95  feet 
long  and  60  high,  lighted  from  above,  and  ornamented  with 
a  colonnade  of  beautiful  pillars.  The  Senate  Chamber  has 
the  same  form,  and  is  74  feet  long.  The  Rotunda  has  a 
diameter  of  96  feet,  and  is  96  feet  to  the  top  of  the  dome  within. 
The  grounds  around  the  Capitol  are  handsomely  laid  out  and 
•are  beautifully  decorated  with  shade  trees  and  shrubbery, 
which,  during  the  spring  and  summer,  present  a  charming  ap- 
pearance. The  President's  Mansion  is  a  noble  edifice,  170  feet 
long  by  86  deep  and  two  stories  high,  and  is  built  of  free- 
stone, painted  white.  The  Smithsonian  Institute  is  one  of  the 
finest  institutions  and  noblest  structures  in  Washington.  This 
edifice  has  a  length  of  450  feet  and  a  breadth  of  140,  con- 
structed in  the  Norrnan  style,  and  embellished  by  nine  towers 
of  from  75  to  150  feet  in  height,  and  presents,  when  viewed 
from  Capitol  Hill,  an  imposing  display.  This  institution  was 
endowed  by  James  Smithson,  an  Englishman,  who  left  the 
United  States  over  half  a  million  of  dollars  "  to  found  at 
Washington  an  establishment  for  the  increase  and  diffusion 
of  knowledge  among  men."  The  National  Observatory  oc- 
cupies a  commanding  site  upon  the  banks  of  the  Potomac, 
southwest  of  the  Presidential  residence,  and  is  one  of  the 
most  creditable  institutions  belonging  to  the  general  govern- 
ment. The  most  prominent  hotels  of  Washington  are  the 
National,  Willard's,  Gadsby's,  United  States,  Potomac  and 
Irving,  all  built  upon  Pennsylvania  Avenue.  At  the  sugges- 
tion of  President  Washington,  the  seat  for  the  National  Gov- 
ernment was  selected  in  1790 ;  the  corner-stone  of  the  Capitol 
was  laid  by  him,  September  18th,  1793;  and  in  1800  the 
Government  was  removed  thither  from  Philadelphia.  Fifteen 
miles  south  of  Washington  is  Mount  Vernon,  the  residence 
and  mausoleum  of  the  Father  of  his  Country.  Population 
6  ££00. 

GEORGETOWN,  situated  on  the  left  bank  of  the  Potomac, 
two  miles  northwest  of  Washington,  from  which  it  is  sepa- 
rated by  Rock  Creek,  is  one  of  the  handsomest  cities  in  the 
Union.  It  is  built  upon  a  range  of  hills  denominated  the 
Heights,  and  these  are  covered  with  numerous  palatial  resi- 

js* 


82  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND   BCOK. 

deuces,  from  which  a  magnificent  view  is  obtained  of 
Washington,  the  Potomac,  and  almost  an  illimitable  ex- 
panse of  country.  Among  its  literary  institutions,  George- 
town College,  tinder  the  control  of  the  Catholics  is  regarded 
as  the  most  important.  This  city  is  noted  for  its  vast  shad 
and  herring  fisheries.  Population  9,000. 

VIRGINIA  .* 

Area  62,000  square  miles.  Population  1,596,000.  Slaves 
491,000.  . 

Virginia  was  the  first  settled  of  the  English  Colonies,  and 
on  this  account  has  been  called  the  "  Old  Dominion."  The 
first  settlement  was  made  at  Jamestown,  in  1607,  by 
English  Colonists,  under  the  lead  of  the  celebrated  Captain 
John  Smith,  who  was  taken  prisoner  by  the  Indians,  and 
was  saved  from  destruction  by  the  romantic  sympathy  of 
Pocohontas,  the  daughter  of  the  Indian*King.  To  no  other 
State  was  the  country  more  indebted,  than  to  Virginia,  for 
her  strenuous  resistance  to  British  oppression,  and  her  heroic 
appeal  to  arms  in  the  cause  of  American  Independence. 
Many  of  her  distinguished  sons  carved  their  names  high 
upon  the  temple  of  fame  and  rendered  the  name  of  Virginia 
dear  to  every  true  American.  She  has  been  termed  the 
"  mother  of  Presidents  and  Statesmen,"  as  she  gave  to  the 
Union  five  Presidents :  the  "  Father  of  his  Country,"  Jeffer- 
son, Madison,  Monroe  and  Tyler.  Harrison  was  also  a 
native  of  this  State.  It  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Ohio, 
Pennsylvania  and  Maryland,  east  by  Maryland  and  the 
Atlantic,  south  by  North  Carolina  and  Tennessee,  and  west 
by  Kentucky  and  Ohio,  and  it  contains  148  counties. 

*The  State  of  Virginia,  on  the  17th  of  April,  1861,  passed  an  ordinance 
of  secession,  dissolving  her  connexion  with  the  Federal  Government,  and 
united  her  destiny  with  that  of  the  Southern  Confederacy,  and  she  is  at  this 
time  (July  1862.)  participant  in  a  revolution  against  the  Federal  authority 
with  the  design  of  securing  the  independence  of  the  Confederate  Government. 
Hers  has  become  the  capital  of  the  Confederacy  and  many  of  the  sanguin- 
ary battles  of  the  existing  revolution  have  been  fought  upon  her  soil  and 
some  of  them  almost  over  the  bones  of  the  Father  of  his  Country.  She  is 
not  however,  unanimous  in  her  opposition  to  the  United  States  Government, 
as  the  people  of  the  western  portion  of  the  State,  refusing  to  be  bound  by 
the  ordinance  of  secession  passed  by  a  majority  of  her  voters,  have  inaugu- 
rated a  seperatc  government  composed  of  the  western  counties,  and  have 
established  as  their  capital,  the  city  of  .WHEELING. 


UNITED    STATES.  83 

Mountains. — The  Alleghany  Mountains  from  Pennsylva- 
nia cross  this  State  in  a  southwestern  direction  and  occupy  a 
belt  of  from  80  to  100  miles  in  width.  The  most  eastern 
ridge  is  called  the  Blue  Ridge.  White  Top,  the  highest  peak 
of  these  mountains,  has  an  elevation  of  6,000  feet,  and  the 
peaks  of  Otter,  4,260  feet.  The  Cumberland  mountains  lie 
on  the  boundary  between  Kentucky  arid  Virginia. 

Surface. — No  greater  variety  of  surface  is  found  in  any 
state  of  the  Union  than  in  Virginia,  from  the  rugged  and  bar- 
ren mountains  of  the  interior,  to  the  rich  alluvial  soil  along 
the  rivers,  and  the  sandy  flats  of  the  sea  coast.  This  State 
is  naturally  divided  into  four  parts:  1.  The  Tidewater  dis- 
trict, bordering  on  the  Atlantic  and  Chesapeake  Bay  ;  2.  The 
Piedmont  district ;  3.  The  Valley  district ;  4.  The  trans-Alle- 
ghany  district.  Every  variety  of  soil  almost,  is  found  here, 
and  in  general  the  soil  is  fertile. 

Rivers. — The  principal  rivers  are,  the  Potomac,  which  re- 
ceives from  the  south  the  Shenandoah,  as  an  affluent,  also 
the  James  river  which  rises  in  the  Blue  Ridge  and  flows  east 
into  the  Chesaponko,  niter  a  course  of  600  miles,  and  the 
Rappahannock  which  flows  cast  into  the  Cliosjippake.  The 
Great  Kanawha,  the  Little  Kanawha,  and  the  Guyan dot,  flow 
west  into  the  Ohio.  The  Monongahela,  fhe  Roanoke,  and 
the  Chowan,  have  their  sources  in  this  State. 

Climate. — Great  diversities  of  climate  are  experienced  in 
jhis  State  from  its  vast  extent  and  variety  of  surface.  East  of 
the  Alleghanies  the  heat  of  summer  is  long  and  oppressive, 
the  spring  short  and  the  winter  mild.  Snow  seldom  lies  in 
this  region  over  a  day  or  two.  In  the  mountainous  regions 
the  air  is  cool  and  salubrious,  the  inhabitants  displaying 
health  and  vigor  in  their  persons.  Beyond  the  mountains, 
the  climate  is  cooler  by  some  degrees  than  in  the  same  lati- 
tude upon  the  coast. 

Products. — Virginia  is  the  greatest  tobacco  growing  State 
in  the  Union.  The  other  great  staples  are  corn,  wheat,  oats, 
live  stock  and  butter.  Great  quantities  of  rye,  wool,  peas, 
beans,  potatoes  and  buckwheat  are  grown,  as  also  some  rice, 
cotton,  silk  and  molasses.  This  state  abounds  in  minerals  of 
the  more  useful  kind,  and  some  of  the  precious  metals.  Her 


84  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  "BOOK. 

mineral  treasures  include  gold,  copper,  iron,  lead,  coal,  salt, 
gypsum,  porcelain  clay,  and  fine  granite. 

Manufactures. — Virginia,  like  most  of  the  Southern  states 
is  yet  in  her  infancy  with  respect  to  manufactures.  The  vast 
resources  of  coal,  iron,  copper,  and  the  excellent  hydraulic 
power  possessed  by  the  "  Old  Dominion,"  seem  to  admonish 
her  of  the  innate  wealth  she  contains  and  to  invite  her  citizens 
to  engage  in  manufactures  which  yet  appear  destined  to  de- 
velop her  hidden  resources. 

Education. — The  Free  School  System  has  yet  to  be  intro- 
duced into  Virginia,  but  the  poor  are  educaced  by  means  of 
an  appropriation  for  this  purpose.  Her  list  of  colleges,  how- 
ever, gives  proof  that  she  designed  the  proficient  education  of 
the  few  to  supersede  a  general  one  of  the  many.  Within  her 
limits  are :  William  and  Mary's  College,  at  Williamsburg, 
founded  in  1692  ;  Hampden-Sidney  College,  in  Prince  Ed- 
wards' county,  founded  in  1776  ;  Washington  College,  at 
Lexington,  founded  in  1782  ;  the  University  of  Virginia,  at 
('linrlottesville,foimdedjn  1819  ;  Randolph-Macon  College,  at 
Boydon,  founded  in  1832  ;  Emory  and  Henry,  in  Washing- 
ton county,  founded  in  1838;  Rector  College,  in  Taylor  co., 
founded  in  1839;  Bethany  College,  at  Bethany,  founded  in 
1841;  Richmond  College,  at  Richmond,  founded  in  1840; 
and  the  Virginia  Military  Institute,  at  Lexington,  founded  in 
1839. 

Curiosities. — Many  objects  attractive  to  the  tourist  are 
found  within  the  limits  of  Virginia.  The  most  noted  of  these 
is  the  Natural  Bridge  over  Otter  Creek,  a  small  stream  flow- 
ing into  the  James  River,  which  is  100  feet  in  length,  60 
wide,  and  250  above  the  water.  Weyer's  Cave,  in  Augusta 
county,  discovered  only  in  1806,  seems  to  equal,  in  the  vivid 
descriptions  of  visitors,  the  singularity  and  splendor  of  the 
celebrated  Grotto  of  Antiparos  in  the  Jfegean  Sea.  Madison's 
Cave,  Blowing  Cave,  and  the  Natural  Tunnel,  in  Scott  county, 
are  all  objects  of  considerable  interest. 

Government. — The  executive  power  is  vested  in  a  Governor, 
who  is  elecled  for  four  years.  The  Senate  consists  of  50 
members,  who  are  elected  for  four  years;  the  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives of  152  members,  who  are  elected  for  two  years. 


1.  Accomac. 

2.  Alexandria. 

3.  Albemarle. 

4.  Alleghany. 

5.  Amherst. 

6.  Amelia. 

7.  Appamattox. 

8.  Augusta. 

9.  Barbour.* 

10.  Bath. 

11.  Bedford. 

12.  Berkeley. 

13.  Boorie.* 

14.  Botetourt. 

15.  Braxton.* 
10.  Brooke.* 

17.  Brunswick. 

18.  Buchanan. 
ID.  Buckingham. 

20.  Cabell.* 

21.  Calhomi."- 

22.  Carroll. 
2:5.  Cunipbi-ll. 

24.  Caroline. 

25.  C'huvlotto. 
20.  Charles  City. 

27.  Chesterfield. 

28.  Clay.* 

29.  Clarke. 
80.  Crai-r. 

31.  Culpepper. 

•'52.  Cumberland. 

.'!!>.  Davis. 

34.  Dinwiddie. 

35.  Doddridge.* 

36.  Elizabeth. 

37.  Essex. 

38.  Fauquier. 

39.  Fairfax. 

40.  Fayette.* 

41.  Fluvianna. 

42.  Floyd. 

43.  Franklin. 

44.  Frederick. 

45.  Giles. 

46.  Gilmer.* 


UNITED    STATES. 

COUNTIES. 

47.  Gloucester. 

93.  Nicholas.* 

48.  Goochland. 

94.  Northampton. 

49.  Grayson. 

95.  Northumberland 

50.  Greenbrier. 

96.  Norfolk. 

51.  Greene. 

07.  Nottaway. 

52.  Groensville. 

98.  Ohio.* 

53.  Halifax. 

99.  Orange. 

54.  Hampshire. 

100.  Page. 

55.  Hancock.* 

101.  Patrick. 

50.  Hanover. 

102.  Pendleton. 

57.  Hardy. 

103.  Pittsylvauia. 

58.   Harrison.* 

104.  Pleasants.* 

59.  Henry. 

105.   Pocahontas. 

60.  Henrico. 

106.  Powhatan. 

01.  Highland. 

107.  Preston* 

02.   Isle  of  Wight. 

108.   Prince  Edward. 

o:>.  Jackson.* 

In'.!.   Princess  Anne. 

64.  James  City. 

110.  Prince  George. 

05.  Jefferson. 

111.   Prince  William. 

(10.   Kanawha.'" 

112.   Pulaski. 

07.    King  George. 

l|:l.  Putnam.* 

(i*.   Kin»;  William. 

114.  Raleigh.* 

09.   King  ami  (Jin-en. 

1  15.    J{:nnloll»ll.* 

70.  Lain-i^in-. 

1  1  (!.     ll;l])|);ih;uinock. 

71.  Lee. 

117.   Richmond. 

72.  Lewis.* 

]  18.  Ritchie.* 

73.  Logan.* 

119.  Roane.* 

74.  London. 

120.  Roanokc. 

75.    Loui-:i. 

121.  Rock  bridge. 

70.  Lunenburg. 

122.   Rockiiiifhum. 

77.  Madison. 

12.'}.  Russell. 

78.  Marion.'' 

121.   Slien.'mdoah. 

7'.).  Marshall.* 

125.   Smith. 

80.   Mason.* 

120.  Southampton. 

81.  Mat  hews. 

12  7.   Spottsylvanifl. 

82.  McDowell.* 

128.  Stafford. 

8:].  Mecklenburg. 

129.   Surry. 

84.   Mercer. 

]::o.  Sussex. 

85.  Middlesex. 

181.  Taylor.* 

80.   Monongalia. 

132.  Tazewell. 

87.  Monroe. 

i:5:!.  Tucker.* 

88.  Montgomery. 

134.  Tyler.* 

80.  Morgan. 

135.  Upshur* 

90.  Nansemond. 

136.  Warren. 

91.  Nelson. 

137.  Warwick. 

92.  New  Kent. 

138.  Washington. 

85 


*The  counties  marked  with  a  star  compose  that  part  of  the  Old  Dominion 
which  has  disavowed  the  act  of  secession,  and  is  known  by  the  name  of 
Western  Virginia.  The  number  of  inhabitants  in  Western  Virginia  is  222.,- 
600,  and  the  amount  of  slaves  6,890, 


86  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND-BOOK. 

139.  Wayne.*  143.  Wirt.*  146.  Wyoming.* 

140.  Webster.*  144.  Wise.  147.  Wythe. 

141.  Westmoreland.f  145.  Wood.*  148.  York. 

142.  Wetzel.* 

[[RICHMOND,  situated  on  the  James  River,  110  miles  from 
its  mouth,  is  the  capital  and  the  largest  city  in  Virginia.  It 
rises  gradually  from  the  water  and  presents  a  fine  picturesque 
appearance.  The  city  is  laid  out  in  rectangular  blocks,  com- 
posed mostly  of  brick  houses,  many  of  which  are  very  elegant. 
The  Capitol  and  other  public  edifices  occupy  Shockoe  hill  in 
the  western  part  of  the  city,  which  is  the  fashionable  quarter 
and  considered  the  most  desirable  for  private  residences.  The 
Capitol  stands  in  the  centre  of  the  park  of  about  eight  acres, 
and  is  a  large  and  imposing  structure,  having  at  one  end  a 
handsome  portico,  and  contains,  in  its  central  hall,  Hudson's 
celebrated  statue  of  Washington,  and  near  by  a  bust  of  La- 
fayette. Richmond  has  extensive  tobacco  manufactories, 
cotton  and  flour  mills,  furnaces,  machine  shops,  &c.  On  the 
night  of  December  26th,  1811,  the  theatre  of  this  city  caught 
fire  when  crowded  with  spectators,  and  upwards  of  seventy 
persons  perished  in  the  flames;  and  amongst  this  number  the 
Governor  of  the  State.  It  was  founded  in  1742,  and  became 
the  seat  of  the  State  Government  in  1779.  The  city  contains 
the  State^Penitentiary,  and  an  Armory,  which  annually  man- 
ufactures great  quantities  of  muskets  and  rifles.  Population 
40,000. 

PETERSBURG,  situated  on  the  Appomatox  river,  twelve 
miles  above  its  junction  with  the  James  River,  is  admirably 
located  for  commerce.  Great  quantities  of  tobacco  and  flour 
are  annnally  shipped  from  this  place.  The  city  is  lighted 
with  gas  and  supplied  with  excellent  water  from  a  reservoir. 
This  place  was  twice  occupied  by  the  British  under  General 
Ehillips  during  the  Revolutionary  War.  Its  volunteers  served 
with  such  distinction  during  the  War  of  1812,  that  the 

f  Westmoreland  County  is  distinguished  as  the  birthplace  of  George  Wash- 
ington, James  Monroe,  and  Richard  Heury  Lee. 

^Richmond  was  in  June,  1851,  made  the  seat  of  Government  for  the  "Con- 
federate States  of  America,"  and  the  Confederate  Congress  assembled  here 
July  20th,  1861.  It  is  at  this  time  [July  1862]  besieged  by  the  Union  army, 
under  Gen.  McClellan,  and  its  vicinity  has  recently  witnessed  a  series  of  the 
most  sanguinary  battles  of  modern  times,  fought  between  the  Federal  and  Con- 
federate armies,  lasting  from  June  26th  to  July  1st,  1862,  and  equalling  in 
the  aggregate  the  carnage  and  slaughter  of  the  famed  battle  of  Waterloo. 


UNITED     STATES.  8t 

President  of  the  United  States  styled  it  "  the  Cockade  of  the 
South."  Its  manufactures  are  extensive.  Population  18,000. 

^NORFOLK,  built  at  the  outlet  of  the  James  River,  is  the 
principal  seaport  of  Virginia,  and  with  Portsmouth,  whicli 
occupies  the  opposite  side  of  the  river,  is  one  of  the  most 
important  naval  stations  of  the  Union.  It  has  a  large  and 
easily  accessible  harbor,  admitting  vessels  of  the  largest  size. 
It  has  an  extensive  commerce,  and  the  supply  of  northern 
cities  with  early  vegetables  has  become  an  important  branch 
of  trade.  Norfolk  was  burned  by  the  British  in  1776.  It 
was  in  1855  severely  visited  by  the  yellow  fever,  which 
caused  the  death  of  from  1000  to  2000  persons.  Population 
15,000. 

PORTSMOUTH,  opposite  Norfolk,  on  Elizabeth  River,  is  one 
of  the  great  naval  stations  of  the  general  Government.  At 
Gosport,  a  suburb  of  Portsmouth,  is  a  United  States  Navy 
Yard  with  a  massive  hospital.  The  yard  contains  a  dry  dock 
constructed  of  granite,  which  cost  the  government  near  $1,- 
000,000. 

•("WHEELING,  on  the  Ohio  River,  ninety-two  miles  below 
Pittsburg,  is  the  most  important  city  of  Western  Virginia. 
Inexhaustible  beds  of  coal  are  found  in  the  vicinity,  which 
supply  fuel  for  its  manufactures,  which  are  extensive,  The 
Wire  Suspension  bridge  across  the  Ohio  River,  opposite  this 
city,  is  one  of  the  largest  in  the  world,  having  a  span  1010 
teet  long.  Population  15,000. 

STAUNTON,  on  a  branch  of  the  Shenandoah,  120  miles  west 
of  Richmond  is  a  nourishing  town,  and  rapidly  growing  in 
wealth  and  importance.  It  contains  the  Western  Lunatic 
Asylum,  and  State  institutions  for  the  Deaf,  Dumb  and  Blind. 
It  is  situated  in  the  midst  of  a  rich  and  highly  productive 
country  forming  part  of  the  great  valley  of  Virginia.  Popu- 
lation 14,000. 

J ALEXANDRIA,  situated  on  the  Potomac,  seven  miles  below 
Washington,  is  a  thriving  town  having  a  capacious  harbor 
and  considerable  trade.  The  site  of  the  town  is  undulating, 

*0n  the  10th  of  May,  1862,  Norfolk  was  surrendered  by  the  Confederates 
to  (Ion,  Wool  of  the  United  States  Army. 

•j- Wheeling  is  now  the  capital  of  Western  Virginia. 

£  About  twenty-seven  miles  west  of  Alexandria,  was  fought,  July  21st, 
18G1,  the  celebrated  battle  of  Bull  Run,  in  which  the  Confederates  were  vic- 
torious. 


88  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND-BOOK. 

affording  a  fine  view  of  Washington  city  and  the  Potomac. 
Ship  building  is  carried  on  here  to  some  extent,  and  the  man- 
ufacture of  cotton  which  has  been  recently  introduced,  is  in 
successful  operation.  .Popualtion  11,000. 

WINCHESTER,  150  miles  northwest  of  Richmond,  situated 
m  the  centre  of  a  beautiful  and  fertile  country,  is  one  of  the 
most  handsome  and  nourishing  towns  in  Virginia,  west  of 
the  Blue  Ridge.  The  houses  are  large  and  handsome,  com- 
posed of  brick  and  stone,  with  streets  long  and  finely  shaded 
with  beautiful  trees,  and  it  is  supplied  with  excellent  water 
brought  by  means  of  iron  pipes  from  a  fountain  half  a  rnile 
distant.  Population  8,000. 

LYNCHBURG,  situated  on  the  James  river,  100  miles  west  of 
Richmond,  is  a  handsome  town  with  12,000  inhabitants.  It 
is  admirably  located  for  commerce  and  manufactures.  The 
chief  business  of  the  people  at  this  time  is  tobacco  manufac- 
turing. Westward  of  Lynch  burg  at  the  distance  of  twenty 
miles,  rise  the  Blue  Ridge  and  the  celebrated  peaks  of  Otter, 
in  full  view.  In  the  vicinity  are  vast  deposits  of  coal  and 
iron  ore. 

JVlAUTiNsntnu},  in  Berkeley  county,  is  a  flourishing  town  with  an  active 
trade  and  considerable  manufactures. 

WILLIAMSBURG,  situated  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  State,  between  the  York 
and  James  rivers,  is  the  seat  of  William  and  Mary  College.  This  was  the  seat 
of  the  royal  government  previous  to  the  Revolution,  and  subsequently  the 
capital  of  the  State  until  1771).  Its  college  is  the  oldest  in  the  Union  except 
Harvard  University. 

JlAi:i'i:i:',s  |''I;UKY,  at  the  junction  of  the  Shcnandoah  and  the  Potomac,  is 
noted  for  its  magnificent  scenery.  Great  notoriety  became  associated  Avith 
this  place  occasioned  by  its  seizure  on  the  night  of  the  Kith  of  October,  18f>'.t, 
by  John  Brown  and  his  deluded  followers.  It  contains  a  United  States 
Arsenal.  Population  7,000. 

*YORKTOWN,  near  the  mouth  of  York  river,  is  memorable  in  Revolutionary 
annals  for  the  surrender  of  Lord  Cornwallis  and  his  army,  Oct.  19th,  1781, 

COUNTY  CAPITALS. 

1.  Accomac.  2.  Alexandria.  3.  Charlottesville.  4.  Covington.  r>.Am- 
herst  C.  H.  6.  Amelia  C.  H.  7.  Clover  Hill.  8.  Staunton.  9.  Philippi. 
10.  Warm  Spring.  11.  Liberty.  12.  Martinsburg.  13.  Boone  Court 
House.  14.  Fincastle.  15.  Sutton.  16.  Wellsburg.  17.  Lawrenceville. 
18.  Buchanan  C.  H.  19.  Maysville.  20.  Barboursville.  21.  *  *  *  * 
22.  Cranberry  Plain  C.  H.  23.  Campbell  C.  H.  24.  Bowling  Green. 
2-r>.  MarysviUc.  20.  Charles  City  C.  H.  27.  Chesterfield  C.  H.  '  28. 
Marshall  C.  H.  29.  Berryville.  30.  Newcastle.  31.  Fairfax.  32.  Cum- 
berland C.  H.  33.  Estillville.  ;J4.  Dinwiddie  C.  H.  35.  West  Union. 

*Yorktown  has  again  become  famous  for  its  evacuation  by  the  Confederate 
army  in  the  month  of  May,  1862. 


UNITED    STATES.  89 

36.  Hampton.  37.  Tappahannock.  38.  Warrenton.  30.  Fairfax  C.  II. 
40.  Fayettcville.  41.  Palmyra.  42.  Jacksonville.  43.  Rocky  Mount. 
44.  Winchester.  45.  Parisburg.  46.  Glenville.  47.  Gloucester  C.  H. 
48.  Goochland  C.  H.  49.  Independence.  50.  Lewisburg.  51.  Stanards- 
ville.  52.  Hicksford.  53.  Halifax  C.  H.  54.  Romney.  55.  New  Cum- 
berland. 56.  Hanover  C.  H.  57.  Mooreaeld.  58.  Clarkburg.  59.  Mar- 
tinsville.  60.  RICHMOND.  61.  Monterey.  62.  Smithfield.  63.  Ripley. 
64.  Williamsburg.  65.  Charlestown.  66.  Charleston.  67.  King  George 
C.  H.  68.  King  William  C.  H.  69.  King  and  Queen  C.  H.  70.  Lancas- 
ter C.  H.  71.  Jonesville.  7'2.  Weston.  73.  Logan.  74.  Leesburg.  7">. 
Louisa  C.  H.  76.  Lewistown.  77.  Madison  C.  H.  78.  Fairmount-  79. 
Elizabethtown.  80.  Point  Pleasant.  81.  Mathews  G.  II.  82.  ... 
83.  Boydtown.  84.  Princeton.  85.  Urbana.  86.  Morgantown.  87.  Union. 
88.  Christiansburg.  89.  Bath.  90.  Suffolk.  91.  Lovington.  92.  New 
KentC.  H.  93.  Summerville.  94.  Eastville.  95.  Hcathsville.  96.  Ports- 
mouth. 97.  Nottoway  C.  H.  98.  Wheeling.  99.  Orange.  100.  Luray. 
101.  Taylorsville.  102.  Franklin.  103.  Competition.  104.  St.  Mary's. 
105.  Huntersville.  106.  Scottsville.  107.  Kingwood.  108.  Prince  Ed- 
ward C.  H.  109.  Princess  Anne  C.  H.  110.  Prince  George  C.  H.  111. 
Brentsville.  112.  Newbern.  113.  Winfield.  114.  Berkeley.  115.  Beverly. 
116.  Washington.  117.  Warsaw.  118.  Harrisville.  119.  California. 
120.  Salem.  121.  Lexington.  122.  Harrisonburg.  123.  Lebanon.  124. 
Woodstock.  125.  Marion.  126.  Jerusalem.  127.  Spotsylvania  C.  H. 
128.  Stafford  C.  H.  129.  Surry  C.  H.  130.  Sussex  C.  H.  131.  Prunty- 
town.  132.  Jeffersonville.  133.  St.  George.  134.  Middlebourn.  13~>. 
Buchanan.  136.  Front  Royal.  137.  Warwick  C.  H.  138.  Abingdon. 
139.  Wayne  C.  H.  140.  *  *  *  141.  Westmoreland  C.  II.  142.  New 
Martinsvillo.  1  13.  Wirt  C.  H.  144.  Gladesville.  145.  Parkersburg.  146. 
Wyoming  C.  II.  147.  Wythcville.  148.  Yorktown. 

NORTH  CAROLINA. 

Area  45,000  square  miles.  Population  .992,000.  Slaves 
331,000. 

North  Carolina  one  of  the  original  states  of  the  American 
confederacy,  was  first  settled  by  the  English,  at  Albemarle, in 
1650.  Its  early  constitution  was  drafted  by  the  celebrated 
John  Locke,  but  it  was  soon  found  to  be  ill  adapted  to  the 
wants  and  character  of  the  people.  The  principal  battle  of 
the  revolution  fought  within  this  State  was  that  of  Guilford 
Court  House. 

It  is  bounded  north  by  Virginia,  east  by  the  Atlantic,  south 
by  the  same  and  South  Carolina,  and  west  by  Tennessee.  It 
has  85  counties. 

Surface. — This  State  is  naturally  divided  into  three  parts : 
1  .The  Maritime,  extending  a  distance  of  sixty  miles  from 
the  coast,  and  which  is  low,  flat  and  sandy,  and  also  intersec- 
ted with  numerous  inlets ;  2.  The  Inland  part,  being  a  fine 
undulating  region,  irrigated  with  numerous  streams  and  di- 


90  GEOGRAPHICAL   HAND  BOOK. 

versified  with  hills  and  valleys ;  3.  The  mountainous  part  in 
the  west,  consisting  of  elevated  table-lands.  There  are  many 
swamps,  the  largest  of  which  are  the  Great  and  Little  Dismal 
Swamps,  the  former  thirty  miles  long  and  ten  wide.  In  the 
western  part  of  the  State  three  chains  of  the  Alleghany  moun- 
tains run  under  various  names,  and  attain  their  highest  ele- 
vations here. 

Rivers. — The  principal  rivers  are  the  Cape  Fear,  formed  by 
the  junction  of  the  Haw  and  Deep  rivers,  the  Roanoke,  the 
Neuse,  the  Tar,  the  Chowan,  the  Yadkin,  and  the  Catawba, 
all  flowing  into  the  Atlantic. 

Climate. — In  the  low  country  the  air  is  hot  and  moist,  but 
cool  and  dry  among  the  mountains. 

Products. — The  principal  products  are  cotton,  tobacco, 
rice,  and  sweet  potatoes ;  also  wheat,  rye,  barley  and  oats  are 
cultivated.  The  soil  is  well  adapted  to  the  growth  of  the 
vine  and  mujberry.  Gold,  silver,  iron,  and  porphyry  have 
been  found  here.  Spirits  of  turpentine  is  extensively  manu- 
factured. 

Manufactures. — Although  the  Cape  Fear  and  Deep  rivers 
of  North  Carolina  afford  abundant  water  power  for  manufac- 
tures, but  few  have  been  as  yet  established  in  this  State,  and 
the  industry  of  her  people  has  been  chiefly  directed  to  agri- 
culture, mining  and  commerce.  Her  most  important 
branch  of  manufacturing  has  been  the  distillation  of 
spirits  of  turpentine  from  the  sap  of  the  pine,  a  kind  of  tree 
which  grows  in  great  abundance  in  many  portions  of  North 
Carolina.  The  manufacture  of  cotton  has  likewise  been  spir- 
itedly carried  on  in  a  few  of  the  towns  of  this  State  for  some 
years. 

Education. — Public  education  has  been  considerably  upon 
the  advance  within  the  last  few  years,  but  much  yet  remains 
to  be  done,  to  secure  a  general  diffusion  of  knowledge  among 
the  masses.*  Of  the  institutions  in  the  "  Old  North  State," 
designed  to  impart  the  highest  grade  of  instruction,  the  prin- 
cipal are  the  University  of  North  Carolina,  at  Chapel  Hill, 
founded  in  1789  ;  Davidson's  College,  in  Mecklenburg  county, 
founded  in  1840;  and  Wake  Forest  College,  in  Forest  county, 
founded  in  1838. 

*The  laws  of  North  Carolina  and  of  most  of  the  southern  states,  proln'Ht 
the  education  of  the  slaves,  and  when  the  masses  of  people  are  mentioned  in 
these  states,  the  whites  only  are  to  be  understood. 


UNITED     STATES. 


91 


Curiosities. — The  attractions  for  the  tourist  are  the  Black 
and  other  mountains,  the  Swannanoa  Gap,  the  Falls  of  the 
Catawba  river,  and  the  Warm  Springs  of  Buncombe  county  ; 
also,  Painted  Rock,  the  curious  rock  called  the  Chimneys,  and 
Gingercake  rock,  in  Burke  county. 

Government. — The  legislative  power  is  vested  in  the  hands 
of  a  Governor,  chosen  by  the  people  for  two  years,  of  a  Sen- 
ate elected  for  the  same  length  of  time,  and  of  a  House  ot 
Commons,  chosen  for  a  like  period.  The  Senate  is  composed 
of  50,  and  the  House  of  Commons  of  120  members. 


1.  Alanmnce. 

2.  Alexander. 

3.  Anson. 

4.  Ashe. 

5.  Beaufort. 
0.  Bertie. 

7.  Bladen. 

8.  Brunswick. 

9.  Buncombe. 

10.  Burke. 

11.  Cabarrus. 
VI.   Caldwell. 
I-}.   Camden. 

14.  Carteret. 

15.  Caswell. 

16.  Catawba. 

17.  Chatham. 

18.  Cherokee. 

19.  Chowan. 

20.  Cleveland. 

21.  Columbus. 

22.  Craven. 

23.  Cumberland. 

24.  Currituck. 

25.  Davidson. 

26.  Davie. 

27.  Duplin. 

28.  Edgecombe. 

29.  Forsythe. 


COUNTIES. 

30.  Franklin. 

31.  Gaston. 

32.  Gates. 

33.  Granvillc. 

34.  Greene. 

35.  Guilford. 
30.  Halifax. 

37.  Harnett. 

38.  Haywood. 

39.  Henderson. 

40.  Hertford. 

41.  Hyde. 

42.  Iredcll. 

43.  Jackson. 

44.  Johnson. 

45.  Jones. 
40.  Lenoir. 

47.  Lincoln. 

48.  McDowell. 

49.  Macon. 

50.  Madison. 

51.  Martin. 

52.  Mecklenburg. 

53.  Montgomery. 

54.  Moore. 

55.  Nash. 

56.  New  Hanover. 

57.  Northampton. 


58.  Onslow. 

59.  Orange. 

*',().  Pasquotank. 
ill.  Perquimans. 
(i2.  Person. 

63.  Pitt. 

64.  Polk. 

65.  Randolph. 
()<>.  Richmond. 
(>7.  Robeson. 
<iS.  Rockinghan. 

69.  Rowan. 

70.  Rutherford. 

71.  Sampson. 

72.  Stanley. 

73.  Stokes. 

74.  Surry. 

75.  Tyrrel. 

76.  Union. 

77.  Wake. 

78.  Warren. 

79.  Washington. 

80.  Watauga. 

81.  Wayne. 

82.  Wilkes. 

83.  Wilson. 

84.  Yadkin. 

85.  Yancey. 


RALEIGH,  the  capital  of  the  State,  is  pleasantly  situated  near 
the  centre  of  North  Carolina,  six  miles  west  of  the  Neuse 
river,  and  is  named  in  honor  of  Sir  Walter  Raleigh.  It  is 
handsomely  laid  out  and  contains  many  fine  buildings.  In 
the  centre  of  Raleigh,  is  Union  Square,  from  which  extend 
four  streets,  dividing  the  city  into  four  parts.  The  capitol, 


92  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND-BOOK. 

one  of  the  most  splendid  edifices  of  the  kind  in  the  Union,  is 
built  of  granite,  166  feet  long,  90  wide,  and  surmounted  by  a 
dome,  and  is  also  surrounded  by  columns  five  and  a  half  feet 
in.  diameter  and  thirty  high.  It  is  modeled  after  the  Parthe- 
non arid  cost  $500,000.  The  old  State  capitol  containing  the 
statue  of  Washington  by  Canova,  was  burned  in  1831.  The 
city  contains  the  State  Lunatic  Asylum,  and  the  institution 
for  the  Deaf  and  Dumb.  Population  6,000. 

WILMINGTON,  situated  on  Cape  Fear  river,  thirty-four  miles 
from  its  mouth,  is  the  largest  and  most  commercial  city  in  the 
State,  and  is  noted  for  its  extensive  trade  in  naval  stores  and 
lumber.  The  manufactures  of  this  place  are  considerable. 
Population  10,000. 

NEWBERN,  the  former  capital,  situated  at  the  confluence  of 
the  Neuse  and  Trent  rivers,  fifty  miles  above  Pamlico  Sound, 
is  one  of  the  oldest  towns  in  the  State,  and  carries  on  an  active 
trade.  Its  chief  articles  of  export  are  grain,  lumber,  turpen- 
tine, tar  and  naval  stores.  It  contains  several  churches  and 
a  theatre.  Population  5,000. 

FAYETTEVILLE,  is  a  flourishing  town  on  Cape  Fear  river, 
sixty  miles  south  of  Raleigh,  and  has  a  brisk  trade.  The 
contiguous  country  is  partly  occupied  by  extensive  forests  of 
pine,  which  furnish  for  export  great  quantities  of  tar,  turpen- 
ine  and  lumber.  A  large  part  of  this  town  was  destroyed  by 
fire  in  1831.  Population  8,000. 

BEAUFORT,  is  a  seaport  with  the  best  harbor  in  the  State,  and  carries  on  a 
thriving  coast  trade. 

CHARLOTTE,  situated  in  Mecklenburg  county,  is  one  of  the  most  thriving 
towns  in  the  western  portion  of  the  State.  A  branch  mint  was  established 
here  in  1838  for  the  coinage  of  gold. 

ELIZABETH  CITY,  on  the  right  bank  of  Pasquotank  river,  twenty  miles  from 
its  mouth,  is  one  of  the  most  considerable  in  the  northeast  part  of  the  State. 
It  has  a  smart  export  trade. 

HALIFAX,  in  the  county  thus  named,  on  the  Roanoke  river,  seven  miles  be- 
low the  falls,  has  a  considerable  trade.  Here  the  North  Carolina  constitu- 
tion was  formed. 

OXFORD,   Salisbury  and  Asheville  are  small  but  thriving  towns. 

COUNTY  CAPITALS. 

1.  Graham.  2.  Taylorsville.  3.  Wadesborough.  4.  Jefferson.  5.  Wash- 
ington. 6.  Windsor.  7.  Elizabeth.  8.  Smithville.  9.  Asheville.  10. 
Morgantown.  11.  Concord.  12.  Lenoir.  13.  Camden  Court  House.  14. 
Beaufort.  15.  Yancey.  16.  Newton.  17.  Pittsborough.  18.  Murphy. 
19.  Edenton.  20.  Shelby.  21.  Whitesville.  22.  Newbern.  23.  Fayette- 
ville.  24.  Currituck  Court  House.  25.  Lexington.  26.  Mocksville.  27. 
Kenansville.  28.  Tarboro.  29.  Winston.  30.  Lewisburg.  31.  Dallas. 


UNITED    STATES.  93 

32.  Gatesville.  33.  Oxford.  34.  Snow  Hill.  35.  Greensborough.*  36. 
Halifax.  37.  Waynesville.  38.  Summerville.  39.  Hendersonville.  40. 
Winton.  41.  Swan  Quarter.  42.  Statesville.  43.  Webster.  44.  Smith- 
field.  45.  Trenton*  46.  Kingston.  47.  Lincolnton.  48.  Marion.  40. 
Franklin.  50.  Marshall.  51.  Williamstown.  52.  Charlotte.  53.  Troy. 
54.  Carthage.  55.  Nashville.  56.  Wilmington.  57.  Jackson.  58. 
Onslow  Court  House.  59.  Hillsborough.  60.  Elizabeth  City.  61  Hert- 
ford. 62.  Roxborough.  63.  Greenville.  64.  Tryon.  65.  Ashborough. 
66.  Rockingham.  67.  Lumberton.  68.  Wentworth.  69.  Salisbury.  70. 
Rutherfordton.  71.  Clinton.  72.  Albemarle.  73.  Germantown,  74. 
Rockford.  75.  Columbia.  76.  Monroe.  77.  RALEIGH.  78.  Warrenton. 
79.  Plymouth.  80.  Boone.  81.  Goldsborough.  82.  Wilkesborough.  83. 
Wilson.  84.  Wilson.  85.  Burnsville. 

SOUTH  CAROLINA.f 

Area  29,000  square  miles.  Population  703,800.  Slaves 
402,000. 

South  Carolina,  although  small,  is  one  of  the  most  impor- 
tant States  of  the  American  Confederacy.  She  was  first 
settled  by  the  English  at  Port  Royal  in  1760,  but  many  of 
her  first  settlers  were  French  Huguenots.  This  State  was  a 
prominent  actor  in  the  days  of  the  Revolution,  and  upon  her 
soil  were  fought  the  battles  of  Fort  Moultrie,  Charleston, 
Camden,  King's  Mountain,  Eutaw  Springs,  and  Cowpens. 
It  was  held  by  the  British  during  the  years  of  1780  and  1781. 
Her  planters  are  noted  for  their  opulence,  intelligence  and  per- 
sistent advocacy  of  what  they  term  State  rights,  and  of  African 
slavery.  Many  distinguished  statesmen  have  been  born  in 
this  State.  South  Carolina  is  bounded  north  by  North  Car- 
olina, east  by  the  Atlantic,  south  by  the  same  and  Georgia, 
and  west  by  Georgia,  and  contains  thirty  districts. 

Surface,  fyc. — The  surface  for  one  hundred  miles  from  the 

•-Five  miles  from  Greensborough,  the  battle  of  Guilford  Court  House  was 
fought  March  15tb,  1781,  between  the  Americans  under  Gen.  Green,  and  the 
British  under  Lord  Cornwallis. 

f  The  darkening  clouds  of  revolution  were  slowly  gathering  in  the  Amer- 
ican horizon  during  the  autumn  of  1860.  As  soon  as  the  election  of  Abraham 
Lincoln  as  President  of  the  United  States  (whom  the  southern  people 
regarded  as  antagonistic  to  their  institutions)  was  made  known  throughout 
the  country,  the  distant  roar  of  the  approaching  storm  became  instantly 
audible.  Fiery  speeches  and  stirring  harrangues  were  made  throughout  the 
whole  South,  and  inflammatory  articles  filled  the  southern  prints,  all  urging 
the  people  of  the  South  to  unite  and  resist  the  rule  of  a  sectional  President, 
in  whose  election  they  had  not  participated,  and  in  which  they  conceived  the 
rights  of  the  South  to  be  entirely  ignored.  The  Southern  leaders  had  re- 
peatedly asserted  heretofore  that  they  would  not  submit  in  case  a  sectional 
candidate  should  be  elected  President  by  the  northern  people,  but  in  that 


94  GEOGRAPHICAL   HAND   BOOK. 

coast  is  low,  flat  and  sandy,  but  the  interior  is  variegated 
with  hills  and  dales,  and  is  very  fertile.  The  western  part 
alotoe  is  mountainous,  in  which  runs  the  Blue  Ridge.  On 
the  border  of  North  Carolina  is  King's  Mountain. 

Rivers. — The  principal  rivers  are  the  Savannah,  forming 
the  boundary  line  with  Georgia,  the  Santee,  the  Great  Pedee, 
and  the  Edisto,  all  of  which  flow  into  the  Atlantic. 

Climate. — The  climate  is  a  medium  between  that  of  the 
torrid  and  the  temperate  zones ;  upon  the  coast  it  is  hot, 
moist  and  unwholesome,  but  varies  through  the  interior  in 
general  with  the  elevation ;  and  in  the  western  part  it  is  cool 
and  refreshing. 

Products. — The  principal  products  are  cotton,  rice,  and  to- 
bacco, also  maize,  oats,  rye,  barley,  sweet  and  Irish  potatoes, 
peas  and  beans.  Pears,  pomegrantes,  figs,  apricots,  almonds, 
olives  and  oranges  are  likewise  cultivated. 

event  would  unite  in  their  efforts  to  dismember  the  Republic  and  establish  an 
independent  government  of  their  own.  The  time  now  seemed  to  have  arrived 
for  action,  and  all  that  was  necessary  was  to  secure  the  co-operation  of  the 
States  that  had  opposed  the  election  of  Lincoln.  To  South  Carolina  was 
assigned  the  task  of  setting  the  ball  of  revolution  in  motion,  and  on  the  20th 
of  December,  1860,  the  representatives  of  this  State  in  convention  assembled 
proclaimed  to  the  world  that  her  connection  with  the  Federal  Government 
was  forever  dissevered,  and  thereupon  the  Federal  officers  within  her  limits 
resigned  their  offices,  leaving  the  General  Government  without  the  means  of 
executing  law  within  her  territory.  The  announcement  of  the  secession  of 
South  Carolina  was  welcomed  in  most  of  the  Southern  cities  by  the  firing  of 
cannon  and  other  manifestations  of  approbation,  thereby  testifying  their  ap- 
proval of  the  Act  of  Secession  in  South  Carolina.  She  was  soon  followed  in 
her  revolutionary  course  by  the  State  of  Mississippi,  which  passed  an  ordi- 
nance of  secession,  January  9th,  1861.  Alabama  seceded  on  the  llth  of  the 
same  month,  and  Florida  the  day  following,  and  on  the  19th  and  28th  of  Jan- 
uary, the  States  of  Georgia  and  Louisiana  respectively  united  their  fortunes 
with  the  States  already  seceded.  Upon  the  secession  of  Texas,  which  virtu- 
ally took  place  February  1st,  1861,  the  number  of  seceded  States  amounted 
to  seven,  and  this  number  was  not  augmented  until  March  4th,  1861,  the 
time  for  the  inauguration  of  the  President  elect.  In  the  meantime  a  con- 
gress of  delegates  from  the  seceded  States  convened,  February  4th,  at  Mont- 
gomery, the  capital  of  Alabama,  and  adopted  a  provisional  constitution,  and 
elected  Jefferson  Davis  President  of  the  seceded  or  Confederate  States.  By 
the  4th  of  March,  therefore,  a  separate  government  had  been  inaugurated  and 
modeled  after  that  of  the  United  States  Government  and  in  opposition  to  its 
authority.  The  car  of  revolution  was  set  in  motion  April  12th,  1861,  by  the 
attack  and  reduction  of  Sumter,  one  of  the  Federal  forts  in  Charleston  har- 
bor. The  attempt  of  the  newly  inaugurated  President  of  the  United  States 
to  enforce  the  laws  in  the  seceded  States,  was  followed  by  the  secession  of  the 
four  following  States  and  their  alliance  with  the  Southern  Confederacy :  Vir- 
ginia seceded  April  17th,  Arkansas  and  Tennessee,  May  6th,  and  North  Car- 
olina, May  20th. 


UNITED     STATES.  95 

Manufactures. — The  soil  of  South  Carolina  is  so  admira- 
bly adapted  to  the  growth  of  cotton,  rice,  and  tobacco,  that  the 
industry  of  her  people  has  hitherto  been  almost  entirely  occu- 
pied in  the  cultivation  of  these  products,  and  she  may  be 
considered  therefore  as  having  scarcely  made  a  commence- 
ment in  a  career  of  manufacturing.  Of  late  years,  however, 
more  attention  has  been  bestowed  upon  this  subject  and  the 
time  may  not  be  distant  when  this  branch  of  industry  will 
develop  the  innate  resources  of  South  Carolina. 

Education. — The  only  approximation  towards  a  free  school 
system  in  this  State  is  the  annual  appropriation  which  is 
made  for  the  education  of  the  poor.  The  State  makes  liberal 
provisions  for  the  education  of  the  upper  classes.  The  South 
Carolina  University  has  long  maintained  a  high  reputation 
for  the  superior  scholarship  of  its  teachers,  and  its  faculty  has 
already  numbered  some  of  the  most  distinguished  names  in 
the  country.  Of  colleges,  the  Charleston  College,  at  Charles- 
ton, founded  in  1785,  and  the  one  at  Columbia,  called  the 
South  Carolina  College,  was  founded  in  1801. 

Curiosities. — The  most  noted  curiosities  are  Table  moun- 
tain, the  highest  peak  of  the  Blue  Ridge,  attaining  an  eleva- 
tion of  4000  feet ;  Cesar's  Head,  a  rock  projection  with  a 
house  of  entertainment  upon  its  summit,  in  the  vicinity  of 
Table  Rock ;  and,  the  falls  of  the  river  Saluda,  amongst  the 
mountains,  having  a  descent  of  from  300  to  400  feet,  present- 
ing a  grand  and  picturesque  display. 

Government. — The  Governor  is  chosen  by  the  General 
Assembly,  for  two  years.  The  General  Assembly  consists  of 
a  Senate  of  45,  and  of  a  House  of  Representatives  of  124 
members. 

DISTRICTS. 

1.  Abbeville.  11.  Edgefild.  21.  Maryborough. 

'2.  Anderson.  12.  Fairfield.  22.  Newberry. 

13.  Barnwell.  lo.  Georgetown.  2o.  Orangeburg. 

4.  Beaufort.  ;  14.  Greenville.  24.  Pickens. 

•>.  Charleston.  If).  Horry.  25.  Richland. 

0*.  Chester.  1(3.  Kersfunv.  26.  Spartanburg. 

7.  Cnesterfield.  17.  Lancaster.  27.  Sumpter. 

8.  Clarendon.  18.  Laurens.  28.  Union. 

'->.   Colleton.  11).   Lexington.  29.  Williamsburg. 

10.  Darlington.  20.   Marion.  30.  York. 

COLUMBIA,  the  capital,  situated  on  the  east  side  of  the  Con- 
garee  river,  below  the  confluence  of  the  Saluda,  is  one  of  the 


96  GEOGRAPHICAL   HAtfD  BOOK. 

most  handsome  towns  in  the  State.  It  is  regularly  laid  out 
with  streets  one  hundred  feet  wide,  bordered  with  beautiful 
shade  trees.  It  is  the  seat  of  South  Carolina  College,  an  en- 
dowed institution  with  eight  professorships,  and  a  library  of 
25,000  volumes.  It  contains  a  State  Lunatic  Asylum,  a 
Theological  Seminary,  and  a  military  school.  Columbia  has 
a  considerable  trade  and  is  a  place  of  great  opulence.  Popu- 
lation 8,000. 

^CHARLESTON,  situated  at  the  junction  of  Ashley  and  Cooper 
rivers,  seven  miles  from  the  ocean,  is  the  largest  city  in  South 
Carolina,  and  one  of  the  principal  marts  of  the  Southern  states. 
Its  harbor  is  quite  capacious  but  difficult  to  enter.  The  city 
is  regularly  built,  and  extends  about  two  miles  in  length,  and 
one  and  a  half  in  breadth,, the  area  occupied  being  much 
larger  than  its  population  would  seem  to  indicate.  Many  of 
its  buildings  are  splendid,  having  open  grounds  on  every  side 
and  furnished  with  piazzas  to  each  story.  It  contains  many 
educational  and  literary  institutions,  amongst  which  may  be 
enumerated  the  State  Medical  College,  founded  in  1833,  and 
the  Charleston  College,  founded  in  1791,  and  reorganized  in 
1837.  The  City  Library  numbers  20,000  volumes.  The 
people  of  Charleston  are  distinguished  for  their  hospitality 
and  refined  manners,  and  no  city  in  the  whole  Union  affords 
more  agreeable  society.  It  is  occupied  by  many  of  the  gentry 
from  the  districts,  who  have  wealth  to  sustain  summer  resi- 
dences in  the  city,  and  upon  their  estates  in  the  winter.  Its 
chief  exports  are  cotton  and  rice.  Charleston  was  an  active 
participant  in  the  war  of  the  Revolution  and  was  besieged  by 
the  British  from  April  1st,  until  May  12th,  17bO,  when  it  was 
surrendered,  and  remained  in  possession  of  the  British  until 
May,  1782.  It  has  suffered  more  severely  by  fire  than  almost 
any  other  city  in  the  United  States.  Population  42,000. 

CAMDEX,  situated  on  the  Wateree  river,  thirty -three  miles  north  east  of  tlie 
capital,  is  a  flourishing  commercial  town.  It  is  surrounded  by  a  fertile  re- 
gion in  which  cotton,  maize  and  the  peach  flourish.  This  town  is  noted  for 
the  battle  fought  here  in  August,  1780,  between  Gates  and  Cornwallis  ;  and 
also  for  the  one  fought  in  April,  1781,  between  Gen.  Greene  and  Lord  Raw- 
don.  A  monument  was  erected  here  in  1823,  in  honor  of  Baron  de  Kalb,  the 
corner  stone  of  which  was  laid  by  Lafayette.  Population  2,000. 

BEAUFORT,  situaied  on  Port  Royal  river,  sixteen  miles  from  the  sea  has  a 
spacious  harbor,  but,  little  commerce.  This  town  lies  about  fifty  miles  south 
west  of  Charleston,  and  is  quite  unhealthy  in  the  autumn. 

*This  city  witnessed  on  the  morning  of  the  12th  of  April,  1861,  the  inaug- 
uration of  the  bloody  drama  of  the  existing  Revolution. 


UNITED   STATES.  9f 

GREENVILLE,  situated  110  miles  north  west  of  Columbia  at  the  foot  of  the 
Saluda  mountain  is  a  favorite  summer  resort. 

HAMBURG,  on  the  left  bank  of  the  Savannah  river  ;  CHERAW,  on  the  Great 
Pedee  at  the  head  of  steam  navigation ;  and  GEORGETOWN,  on  Winyaw  bay, 
a  short  distance  below  the  confluence  of  the  Great  Peedee,  are  all  brisk 
towns. 

DISTRICT  CAPITALS. 

1.  Abbeville.  2.  Anderson.  3.  Barnwell  Court  House.  4.  Coosawhatchie. 
5.  Charleston.  G.  Chesterville.  7.  Chesterfield  Court  House.  8.  Manning. 
9.  Waterborough.  10.  Darlington.  11.  Edgefield  Court  House.  12. 
Winnsborough.  13.  Georgetown.  14.  Greenville  Court  House.  15.  Con- 
wayborough.  16.  Camden.  17.  Lancaster  Court  House.  18.  Laurens- 
ville.  19.  Lexington.  20.  Marion  Court  House.  21.  Bennettsville.  22. 
Newberry.  23.  Orangeburg  Court  House.  24.  Pickens  Court  House.  25. 
COLUMBIA.  26.  Spartanburg.  27.  Sumterville.  28.  Unionville.  29. 
Kingstree.  30.  Yorkville. 

GEORGIA. 

Area  58,000  square  miles.  Population  1,057,000.  Slaves 
462,000. 

Georgia  was  tha  last  settled  of  the  thirteen  original  states, 
and  it  received  its  name  in  honor  of  George  II.  of  England, 
who  granted  the  charter  for  its  settlement.  It  was  settled  by 
a  body  of  English  under  James  Oglethorpe,  in  1733,  at  Sa- 
vannah. It  is  bounded,  north  by  Kentucky,  Tennessee  and 
South  Carolina,  east  by  South  Carolina  and  the  Atlantic, 
south  by  Florida,  and  west  by  Alabama,  and  it  contains  125 
counties. 

Surface,  Sfc. — The  northern  half  of  this  State  is  called  Upper, 
and  the  southern,  Lower  Georgia,  and  these  two  portions  dif- 
fer greatly  from  each  other.  The  southern  part,  towards  the 
ocean  and  Florida,  is  low  and  marshy,  but  in  general  well 
adapted  to  the  culture  of  rice.  The  great  Okefinokee  swamp 
lies  in  the  south.  The  greater  portion  of  Georgia  is  composed 
of  an  alluvial  soil.  The  northern  half  is  traversed  by  the 
Appalachian  mountains  and  is  composed  of  a  broken,  uneven 
surface. 

Rivers. — The  Savannah  is  the  largest  river,  and  forms  the 
boundary  with  South  Carolina ;  the  Altamaha  formed  by  the 
confluence  of  the  Oconee  and  the  Ocmulgee;  and  the  Chatta- 
hoochee,  which  receives  the  Flint  as  an  affluent  and  empties  in- 
to the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  under  the  name  of  the  Appalachicola. 

Climate. — The  climate  is  temperate  and  delightful,  snovr 
being  very  rare ;  but  in  the  south  the  summers  are  hot  and 
unhealthy. 


GEOGRAPHICAL   HAND    BOOK. 

Manufactures. — Georgia  is  considerably  in  advance  of 
many  of  her  southern  sisters  in  the  establishment  of  manu- 
factures, and  she  enjoys  great  facilities  for  these  in  the  abun- 
dance of  hydraulic  power  and  fuel  which  she  possesses,  and  in 
the  number  of  her  navigable  rivers  and  lines  of  railways.  Some 
of  her  cotton  manufactures  have  been  regarded  as  amongst 
the  best  in  the  country.  Her  manufacture  of  iron  and  dis- 
tillation of  spirits,  although  not  large,  are  too  considerable  to 
be  unnoticed. 

Products. — The  great  staple  of  this  State  is  cotton  ;  but 
rice,  tobacco,  wheat,  corn  and  other  grains  are  cultivated. 
Much  sugar  is  made,  especially  in  the  southern  parts.  The 
cotton,  as  in  South  Carolina,  is  of  two  kinds,  Upland  and  Sea 
Island,  the  latter  by  far  the  best.  Gold  is  the  principal  min- 
eral, but  iron  and  copper  are  also  found. 

Curiosities. — In  Raccoon  mountain  is  found  Nicojack  cave, 
a  deep  cavern,  the  mouth  of  which  is  50  feet  high  and  1GO 
wide.  This  cave  has  been  penetrated  for  miles  without  reach- 
ing its  extremity.  The  bottom  is  covered  with  a  stream  of 
clear  water  through  its  entire  length,  and  it  can  be  entered 
only  by  means  of  a  canoe ;  at  the  distance  of  three  miles  from 
the  entrance  is  a  cataract,  beyond  which  adventurers  have  not 
advanced.  The  dimensions  of  this  cave  are  remarkably  uni- 
form throughout. 

Education. — No  Common  School  system  of  education  has 
hitherto  been  established  in  this  State,  although  the  spirit  of 
her  people  as  manifested  in  the  strong  recommendation  of  one 
of  her  late  executives,  and  the  progress  of  the  age,  would  both 
seem  to  demand  an  advance  in  this  direction.  Amongst  the 
superior  educational  institutions  of  our  Union,  Georgia  com- 
prises the  following:  Oglethorpe  College,  at  Milledgeville, 
founded  in  1838;  Emory  College,  at  Oxford,  founded  in  1837; 
Mercer  University,  at  Penfield,  founded  in  1838;  and  the 
Wesleyan  Female,  at  Macon,  founded  in  1839. 

Government. — The  Governor  is  elected  by  the  people  for 
two  years.  The  Senate  is  composed  of  112  members,  and 
the  House  of  Representatives  of  150,  both  elected  biennially. 


COUNTIES. 


1.  Appling.  4.  Bulloch.  7.  Berrien. 

2.  Bibb.  5.  Baldwin.  8.  Baker. 

3.  Burke.  6.  Bryan.  D.  Butts. 


UNITED     STATES. 


90 


10.  Catoosa. 

11.  Ckattooga. 

12.  Columbia. 

13.  Coweta. 

14.  Cobb. 

15.  Crawford. 

10.  Chattahoochee. 

17.  Cherokee. 

18.  Clarke. 

19.  Coffee. 

20.  Clinch. 

21.  Campbell. 

22.  Carroll. 

23.  Chatham. 

24.  Camden. 

25.  Charlton. 
20.  Calhoun. 

27.  Cass. 

28.  Colquit. 

29.  Clay. 

30.  Dade. 

31.  DeKalb. 

32.  Decatur. 

33.  Dooly. 

34.  Dougherty. 

35.  Emanuel. 
30.  Effingham. 

37.  Elbert, 

38.  Early. 

39.  Floyd. 

40.  Fayette. 

41.  Forsyth. 

42.  Fulton. 

43.  Fannin. 

44.  Franklin. 

45.  Greene. 

46.  Glascock. 

47.  Glynn. 

48.  Gordon. 


49.  Gilmer. 

50.  Gwinnet. 

51.  Heard. 
•>2.  Hancock. 

53.  Hall. 

54.  Habersham. 

55.  Harralson. 

56.  Houston. 

57.  Harris. 

58.  Hart. 

59.  Henry. 

60.  Irwin. 

61.  Jackson. 

62.  Jefferson. 
G3.  Jasper. 
C4.  Jones. 
05.  Lee. 

66.  Lincoln. 

67.  Lumpkin. 

68.  Laurens. 

69.  Lowndes. 

70.  Liberty. 

71.  Monroe. 

72.  Muscogee. 

73.  Mclntosh. 

74.  Mitchell. 

75.  Macon. 
70.  Madison. 

77.  Marion. 

78.  Morgan. 

79.  Milton. 

80.  Merriwether. 

81.  Miller. 

82.  Montgomery. 

83.  Murray. 

84.  Newton. 

85.  Oglethorpe. 

86.  Pike. 

87.  Tierce. 


88.  Paulding. 

89.  Pulaski. 

90.  Polk. 
1)1.  Putnam. 
'.'2.  Pickens. 
•J3.  Richmond. 

94.  Randolph. 

95.  Rabun. 
90.  Spalding. 

97.  Scriven. 

98.  Sumter. 

99.  Stewart. 

100.  Schley. 

101.  Tatnall. 

102.  Terrell. 

103.  Taliaferro. 

104.  Troup. 

106.  Taylor. 
100.  Telfair. 

107.  Thomas. 

108.  Towns. 

109.  Twiggs. 

110.  Talbot. 

111.  Union. 

112.  Upson. 

113.  WMtfield. 

114.  Ware. 

115.  Wayne. 

116.  White. 

117.  Worth. 

118.  Walton. 
11'.)-  Warren. 

120.  Washington. 

121.  Wilkinson. 

122.  Walker. 

123.  Webster. 

124.  Wilkes. 

125.  Wilcox. 


SAVANNAH,  situated  on  the  river  of  its  own  name,  18  miles 
from  its  mouth  is  the  largest  and  chief  commercial  city  of 
Georgia,  and  one  of  the  principal  ports  of  the  rice  and  cotton 
trade  upon  the  Atlantic.  The  city  is  regularly  laid  out  with 
wide  streets,  and  these  are  closely  shaded  with  Pride  of  India 
trees.  Among  the  public  edifices  may  be  mentioned  the  City 
Exchange,  Theatre,  Court  House,  State  Arsenal,  Artillery 
Armory,  Lyceum,  Oglethorpe  Hall,  St.  Andrews  Hall  and 
the  Custom  House.  Many  of  the  private  building  are  built 
of  brick  and  are  very  handsome.  Savannah  is  the  centre  of 
numerous  railroads  which  must  ultimately  contribute  to  its 


100  GEOGRAPHICAL   HAND  BOOK. 

great  commercial  importance  and  prosperity.  Its  commerce 
has  for  many  years  been  rapidly  upon  the  increase.  It  was 
founded  in  February,  1733,  by  Gen.  Oglethorpe.  December 
29th,  1778,  it  fell  into  the  possession  of  the  British  and  so 
remained  until  July,  17b3.  In  1820  a  severe  conflagration 
visited  the  city,  destroying  property  to  the  value  of  $4,000,000. 
An  imposing  monument  stands  here,  erected  to  the  honor  of 
the  brave  Count  Pulaski,  who  fell,  gallantly  fighting  for 
America  in  an  attack  upon  the  city  when  in  possession  of  the 
British,  October,  1779.  Population  22,000. 

MILLEDGEVILLE,  the  capital,  is  situated  on  the  Oconee 
river,  158  miles  northwest  of  Savannah.  It  is  encompassed 
by  a  beautiful  and  fertile  cotton  growing  country,  and  con- 
tains many  handsome  buildings.  The  principal  public  edi- 
fices are  the  State  House  and  Governor's  Mansion.  Popula- 
tion 3,000. 

AUGUSTA,  the  second  city  of  Georgia  in  respect  to  population 
and  commercial  importance,  is  situated  on  the  Savannah 
river,  230  miles  from  its  mouth.  It  is  a  handsome  city,  con- 
taining wide  straight  streets,  and  is  united  to  Hamburg,  South 
Carolina,  by  a  bridge  over  the  Savannah.  It  contains  a  City 
Hall,  a  Medical  College,  an  Arsenal,  many  beautiful  churches, 
and  a  population  of  17,000. 

COLUMBUS,  a  flourishing  city  of  Georgia,  is  situated  on  the 
left  bank  of  the  Chattahoochee  river,  128  miles  southwest  of 
the  capital.  It  ranks  next  to  Augusta  with  respect  to  popu- 
lation, commerce  and  importance,  and  enjoys  excellent  facili- 
ties for  the  establishment  of  manufactures,  bidding  fair  to 
become  in  the  future  one  of  the  greatest  manufacturing  cities 
of  the  South.  Its  manufactures  already  established"  are  con- 
siderable. Population  12,000. 

ATLANTA,  situated  about  seven  miles  southeast  of  the  Chat- 
tahoochee river,  and  171  miles  west  of  Augusta,  is  the  central 
point  of  several  railroads,  which  render  it  the  cotton  and  grain 
depot  for  a  large  region  of  country.  It  was  laid  out  in  1845, 
and  is  now  one  of  the  most  populous  and  flourishing  towns  in 
the  northern  part  of  the  State.  Population  10,000. 

MACON,  built  on  the  Ocmulgee  river,  at  the  head  of 
steamboat  navigation,  is  one  of  the  most  handsome  cities  of 
Georgia.  It  is  the  seat  of  the  State  Academy  for  the  blind. 
Rose  Hill  Cemetery,  half  a^nile  above  the  city,  is  one  of  the 


UNITED    STATES.  101 

most  beautiful  burying  grounds  in  the  United  States.     Pop- 
ulation 9,000. 

DARIEN,  on  the  left  bank  of  the  Altamaha  river,  twelve  miles  from  the  sea, 
is  a  port  of  considerable  trade. 

BRUNSWICK,  situated  on  Turtle  river,  twenty  miles  south  of  Darien,  has  a 
spacious  harbor  and  carries  on  a  coasting  trade. 

ST.  MARY'S,  beautifully  situnt-  1  on  the  river  of  the  same  name,  nine  miles 
from  the  sea,  has  a  fine  harbor  mid  is  ;i  place  of  some  commerce. 

DAIILONEGA,  141  miles  northwest  of  the  state  capital,  in  Lumpkin  county, 
was  the  seat  of  a  branch  mint  of  the  United  States.  Several  valuable  gold 
mines  have  been  discovered  in  the  vicinity. 

GRIFFIN,  situated  in  Pike  county,  fifty-eight  miles  northwest  of  Macon,  is 
a  place  of  active  trade  and  is  noted  for  its  excellent  schools. 

ROME,  in  Floyd  county,  is  a  rapidly  growuig  town,  and  carries  on  a  smart 
cotton  trade. 

COUNTY     CAPITALS. 

1.  Holmesville.  2.  Macon.  3.  Waynesboro.  4.  Statcsboro.  5.  MIL- 
LEDGEVILLE.  6.  Eden.  7.  Nashville.  8.  Newton.  9.  Jackson.  10.  Ring- 
gold.  11.  Summerville.  12.  Appling.  13.  Newman.  14.  Marietta.  15. 
Knoxville.  16.  Cusscta.  17.  Canton.  18.  Athens.  19.  ...  2''>. 
Polk.  21.  Campbellton.  22.  Carrollton.  23.  Savannah.  24.  Jeffersonton. 
25.  Traders'  Hill.  26.  Jasper.  27.  Cassville.  28.  Moultrie.  29.  Fort 
Gaines.  30.- Trenton.  31.  Decatur.  32.  liainbridge.  33.  Vienna.  B4. 
Albany.  35.  Swainsboro.  30.  Springfield.  37.  Elberton.  38.  Blakely. 
39.  Rome.  40.  Fayetteville.  41.  Cumming.  42.  Atlanta.  43.  .  .  . 
44.  Carnesville.  45.  Greensboro.  46.  Gibson.  47.  Brunswick.  48.  Cal- 
houn.  49.  Ellijay.  50.  Lawrenceville.  51.  Franklin.  52.  Sparta.  53. 
Gainesville.  54.  Clarksville.  55.  ...  56.  Perry.  57.  Hamilton. 
58.  ...  59.  McDonough.  GO. -  Irwinville.  61.  Jefferson.  62.  Louis- 
ville. 63.  Monticello.  64.  Clinton.  <',:>.  Starkville.  66.  Lincolnton.  G7. 
Dahlonega.  08.  Dublin.  69.  Troupville.  70.  Hinesvillc.  71.  Forsyth. 
72.  Columbus.  73.  Darien.  74.  Mitchell  C.  H.  75.  Lanier.  76.  Dan- 
ielsville.  77.  Bucna  Vista.  78.  Madison.  79.  ...  80.  Greenville. 
81.  Colquit.  82.  Mount  Vernon.  83.  Spring  Place.  84.  Covington.  *•>. 
Lexington.  86.  Zebulon.  87.  Blackshire.  88.  Dallas.  89.  Uawkinsville. 
90.  Van  Wert.  91.  Eatonton.  92.  Jasper.  93.  Augusta.  94.  Cuthbert. 
95.  Clayton.  96.  Griffin.  97.  Sylvania.  98.  Americus.  99.  Lumpkin. 
100.  .  .  .  101.  Reidsville.  102.  Dawson.  103.  Crawfordsville.  104. 
La  Grange.  105.  Butler.  106.  Jacksonville.  107.  Thomasville.  108. 

.  .  .  109.  Marion.  110.  Talboton.  111.  Blairsville.  112.  Tliom- 
aston.  113.  Dalton.  114.  Waresboro.  115.  Waynesville.  116.  Shelton. 
117.  Isabella.  118.  Monroe.  119.  Warrenton.  120.  Sundersville.  121. 
Irwinton.  122  Lafayette.  123.  Mclntosh.  124.  Washington.  125.  .  . 


FLORIDA. 

Area  59,000  square  miles.  Population  140,000.  Slaves 
61,700. 

Florida  is  the  most  southern  State  in  the  Union,  consisting 
chiefly  of  a  large  peninsula  400  miles  in  length  and  about  80 


102  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND-BOOK. 

in  breadth.  It  was  for  almost  two  hundred  years  a  province 
of  Spain,  by  which  nation  it  was,  in  18 1 9,  ceded  to  the  United 
States,  and  became  a  sovereign  state  in  1845  by  its  admission 
into  the  Union.  This  State  was  the  scene  of  the  deadly  Florida 
War  with  the  Seminole  Indians,  which  was  terminated  by 
treaty  in  1842,  by  which  the  bulk  of  the  Indians  were  re- 
moved west  of  the  Mississippi.  It  is  bounded  on  the  north 
by  Alabama  and  Georgia,  and  washed  on  the  east  by  the 
Atlantic  and  west  by  the  Gulf  of  Mexico.  It  contains  thirty- 
four  counties. 

Surface,  $c. — The  portion  of  this  peninsula  south  of  Lat. 
28°  is  almost  an  entire  swamp,  called  the  Everglades,  which 
during  the  wet  season  are  almost  impassible.  North  of  this 
the  surface  is  generally  level,  but  some  of  it  is  undulating. 
Only  a  small  portion  is  susceptible  of  cultivation. 

Rivers. — The  St.  John's  flows  northeast  into  the  Atlantic. 
The  Appalachicola,  formed  by  the  Flint  and  the  Chattahoo- 
chee ;  the  Perdido,  which  forms  the  boundary  with  Alabama, 
and  the  Suwanee,  all  flow  into  the  Gulf  of  Mexico.  .  The 
principal  remaining  rivers  are  the  Indian  river,  Charlotte, 
Amaxura  and  the  Ocloconee. 

Lakes — This  State  has  numerous  lakes,  the  largest  of  which 
are  lakes  Okechobee,  Orange,  and  George,  the  waters  of  which 
are  conveyed  to  the  ocean  by  outlets.  In  the  south  are  lakes 
Jackson,  Yamong  and  Mickasookie. 

Climate. — The  climate  is  soft  and  balmy,  and  represented 
as  the  most  charming  in  the  world.  In  the  south  the  tem- 
perature is  almost  uniform  throughout  the  year,  and  summer 
is  known  only  by  the  copiousness  of  its  showers. 

Products. — Florida  contains  forests  of  immense  growth  and 
great  quantities  of  flowers  of  the  most  variegated  hues  and 
colors.  The  pine,  palm,  cedar,  and  chestnut  trees  attain  here 
an  astonishing  size  and  height.  The  oak,  mahogany,  arid 
magnolia  thrive  ;  Cotton,  coffee,  sugar,  tobacco,  rice  and  in- 
digo are  cultivated.  The  clLnate  is  adapted  to  the  cochineal 
insect  and  the  silk  worm.  Oranges,  lemons,  limes,  pine  ap- 
ples, olives,  grapes,  and  garden  vegetables  grow  in  the  great- 
est abundance. 

Manufactures. — As  regards  her  manufactures,  Florida  can 
as  yet  scarcely  claim  notice,  as  the  citizens  of  this  State  have 
to  a  very  limited  extent  engaged  themselves  in  this  branch  of 


UNITED    STATES.  103 

industry.  Those  already  established  are  unimportant  and 
consist  only  of  a  fe\v  manufactories  of  cotton  goods. 

Education. — This  state  is  limitedly  populated,  and  no 
great  advancements  have  up  to  this  time  been  made  in  the 
cause  of  general  education.  A  considerable  number  of  acad- 
emies and  high  schools  have  already  been  established  in 
Florida,  but  besides  these,  there  are  no  institutions  of  a  supe- 
rior grade. 

Curiosities. — The  remarkable  Wakulla  Fountain,  twelve 
miles  from  Tallahasse,  is  a  circular  lake  fed  by  a  subterranean 
source,  causing  the  water  to  boil  up  like  a  cauldron.  Its 
water  is  icy  cold  and  nearly  as  transparent  as  the  atmos- 
phere. A  person  who  sails  upon  this  pellucid  lake,  which  re- 
flects the  various  hues  of  the  sky,  seems  to  himself  as  if  sus- 
pended in  the  air. 

Government. — The  legislative  authority  is  vested  in  a 
Governor,  chosen  by  the  people  for  four  years,  a  Senate  of  19 
members,  elected  also  for  four,  and  a  House  of  Representa- 
tives of  40  members,  elected  for  two  years. 

COUNTIES. 

1.  Alacliua.  13.  Hillsborough.  24.  Monroe. 

2.  Benton.  14.  Holmes.  2-5.  Nassau. 

3.  Brevard.  15.  Jackson.  26.  Orange. 

4.  Calhoun.  16.  Jeft'erson.  27.  Putnam. 

5.  Columbia.  17.  Lafayette.  28.  St.  John's. 

6.  Dade.  18.  Leon.  29.  Santa  Rosa. 

7.  Duvall.  19.;  Levy.  30.  Sumter. 

8.  Escambia.  20.  Liberty.  31.  Volusia. 
<J.  Franklin.  21.  Madison.  32.  Wakulla. 

10.  Gadsden.  22.  Manatee.  33.  Walton. 

11.  Hamilton.  23.  Marion.  34.  Washington. 

12.  Hernando. 

*PENSACOLA,  situated  on  the  bay  of  the  same  name,  about 
ten  miles  from  its  mouth,  has  a  fine  harbor  admitting  vessels 
of  twenty-one  feet  draught  and  affording  unlimited  accommo- 
dation. This  old  Spanish  town  has  recently  received  quite 
an  accession  to  its  trade  and  population,  by  the  completion  of 
the  Alabama  and  Florida  railroad,  uniting  it  with  Montgom- 
ery, and  it  now  bids  lair  to  become  one  of  the  most  important 

*June  12th,  1861,  after  the  secession  of  Florida,  a  body  of  Confederate 
troops  took  possession  of  the  Pensacola  navy  yard,  and  forts  Barrancas  and 
McKea,  but  in  May,  1862,  they  evacuated  the  same,  leaving  Pensacola  to  be 
occupied  by  the  Federal  forces. 


104  GEOGRAPHICAL    HAND    BOOK. 

ports  upon  the  Gulf.  The  remains  of  the  old  Spanish  Forts 
San  Miguel  and  Sari  Bernard  are  yet  visible  in  the  rear  of  the 
city.  Fort  Pickens,  on  Santa  Rosa  island,  opposite  Pensacola, 
defends  the  entrance  to  Pensacola  hay.  Population  4,000. 

KEY  WEST,  located  upon  the  island  of  the  same  name,  is  a 
place  of  considerable  commercial  arid  naval  importance.  The 
principal  occupation  of  the  inhabitants  is  wrecking.  Salt  is 
manufactured  here  to  some  extent,  and  large  quantities  of 
fish  and  turtles  are  caught.  The  bulk  of  the  inhabitants  con- 
sist of  natives,  or  the  children  of  natives  of  the  Bahama  is- 
lands. The  climate  is  regarded  as  exceedingly  healthy.  A 
great  part  of  this  town  was  destroyed  by  fire,  October  llth, 
1846.  Population  3,000. 

ST.  AUGUSTINE  is  the  oldest  town  in  the  United  States,  built  in  the  Spanish 
style  and  founded  in  1565.  It  is  situated  on  Matanzas  Sound,  two  miles 
from  the  sea,  and  160  miles  south  of  Savannah,  and  its  climate  is  very  delight- 
ful, rendering  it  a  place  of  great  resort  for  invalids.  Population  2,500. 

TALLAHASSE,  the  capital  of  Florida,  is  situated  about  twen- 
ty-six miles  north  of  St.  Marks,  its  seaport  on  the  Gulf,  with 
which  it  communicates  by  railroad.  The  city  is  handsomely 
laid  out  in  rectangular  blocks,  with  several  public  squares. 
Population  2,000. 

COUNTY  CAPITALS. 

1.  Newnansville.  2.  .  .  3.  ...  4.  St.  Joseph.  5.  Alligator. 
6.  Indian  Key.  7.  Jacksonville.  8.  Pensacola.  9.  Appalachicola.  10. 
Quincy.  11.  Jasper.  12.  Melendez.  13.  Tampa.  14.  Cerro  Gordo.  15. 
Marianna.  16.  Monticello.  17.  ...  18.  Tallahasse.  19.  Wacasassa. 
20.  ..  21.  Madison.  22.  Manatee.  23.  Ocola.  24.  Key  West.  25. 
Nassau  Court  House.  26.  Mellonville.  27,  Pilatka.  28.  St.  Augustine. 
29.  Milton.  30.  ...  31.  New  Smyrna.  32.  St.  Marks.  33.  Uchee 
Anna.  34.  Vernon. 

ALABAMA. 

Area  51,000  square  miles.  Population  964,000.  Slaves 
435,000. 

Alabama,  the  southern  part  of  which  belonged  formerly  to 
Florida  and  the  northern  to  Georgia,  was  admitted  into  the 
Federal  Union  in  1819,  since  which  time  its  growth  has  been 
quite  rapid.  Within  the  limits  of  this  State,  on  the  Tallapoosa 
river,  the  famous  battle  of  the  Horseshoe  was  fought  by  Gen. 
Jackson,  March  27th,  1814,  which  terminated  the  Creek  In- 
dian war.  It  is  bounded,  north  by  Tennessee,  east  by  Georr 


UNITED    STATES.  105 

gia  and  Florida,  south  by  Florida  and  the  Gulf  of  Mexico, 
and  west  by  Mississippi.     It  contains  52  counties. 

Surface,  8?c. — A  great  diversity  of  surface  is  met  with  in 
this  State,  it  being  low,  level  and  marshy  upon  the  coast, 
uneven  in  the  interior,  and  broken  and  hilly,  but  quite  fer- 
tile in  the  northern  parts.  The  Alleghany  mountains  have 
their  southern  termination  in  northeastern  Alabama.  A  large 
portion  of  the  State  is  called  the  Pine  Barrens,  which  are  com- 
mon in  the  southern  and  some  of  the  western  States. 

Rivers. — The  principal  rivers  are  the  Alabama,  formed  by 
the  Coosa  and  Taliapoosa,  the  Tombigbee  with  its  tributary 
the  Black  Warrior,  the  Chattahoochee,  the  Escambia,and  the 
Tennessee.  The  Mobile,  formed  by  the  confluence  of  the 
Tombigbee  and  the  Alabama,  is  the  largest,  and  empties  into 
Mobile  Bay.  With  the  exception  of  the  Tennessee  and  its 
affluents,  all  the  rivers  of  this  State  flow  southward  into  the 
Gulf  of  Mexico  or  its  inlets. 

Climate. — The  atmosphere  is  in  general  salubrious  and 
pure,  except  in  the  southern  parts  and  along  the  low  river  bot- 
toms. The  yellow  fever  sometimes  rages  in  the  south,  especial- 
ly around  Mobile.  Snow  is  seldom  seen,  and  the  rivers  are 
never  frozen  over. 

Products. — The  forests  abound  in  oak,  hickory,  cedar,  pop- 
lar, chestnut,  pine  and  mulberry.  Cotton  is  the  staple  of 
Alabama.  Rice,  corn,  wheat,  rye,  oats,  tobacco  and  the  ougar 
cane  are  successfully  cultivated,  and  in  the  south,  groves  of 
orange  trees  are  seen.  In  the  central  parts  extensive  beds  of 
iron  ore  and  bituminous  coal  are  found.  The  prevailing  rock 
formation  is  limestone ;  and  in  some  parts  lead,  manganese, 
black  and  variegated  marble  are  met  with. 

Manufactures. — Comparatively  little  attention  has  been 
bestowed  upon  manufactures  by  the  inhabitants  of  Alabama, 
and  the  few  establishments  of  this  kind  consist  chiefly  of 
manufactories  of  cotton,  iron  and  leather.  Her  citizens  may 
be  regarded  in  an  eminent  degree  as  an  agricultural  people. 

Education. — Alabama  since  1854,  may  justly  pride  herself 
for  the  fortunate  establishment  of  the  free  school  system  within 
her  limits.  In  addition  to  this  she  can  in  proportion  to  her 
population  fairly  challenge  comparison  with  her  sister  south- 
ern States,  as  regards  the  number  and  respectability  of  her 
superior  institutions  of  learning.  Of  these  may  be  mentioned, 
the  University  of  Alabama,  at  Tuscaloosa,  founded  in  1831 ; 

F* 


106  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND-BOOK. 

the  Florence  Wesleyan  College,  at  Florence,  founded  in  1830  ; 
the  Spring  Hill  College,  at  Spring  Hill,  founded  in  1830;  and 
the  Howard  College,  at  Marion,  founded  in  1848. 

Curiosities. — The  Natural  Bridge,  in  Walker  county;  Bla- 
den  and  Blount  Springs,  the  resorts  of  health  and  pleasure 
seekers;  the  large  fountain  of  Tuscumbia,  discharging  125 
hhds.  of  water  per  minute,  the  Maelstrom  of  the  Tennessee 
river,  and  Paint  Rock,  a  high  bluff  with  curious  figures,  are 
all  objects  of  considerable  curiosity. 

Government. — The  Governor  is  elected  for  two  years  by 
the  popular  vote.  The  Senate  consists  of  33  members,  who 
are  elected  for  four  years,  and  the  House  of  Representatives 
of  100  members,  who  are  elected  Menially. 

COUNTIES. 

1.  Autauga.  19.  De  Kalb.  36.  Morgan. 

2.  Baldwin.  20.  Fayette.  37.  Monroe. 

3.  Barbour.  21.  Franklin.  38.  Montgomery. 

4.  Benton.  22.  Greene.  39.  Perry. 
5-  Bibb.  23.  Henry.  40.  Pickens. 

6.  Blount.  24.  Jackson.  41.  Pike. 

7.  Butler.  25.  Jefferson.  '       42.  Randolph. 

8.  Calhoun.  26.  Lauderdale.  43.  Russell. 

9.  Chambers.  27.  Lawrence.  44.  Shelby. 

10.  Cherokee.  28.  Limestone.  45.  St.  Clair. 

11.  Choctaw.  29.  Lowndes.  46.  Suiater. 

12.  Clark.  30.  Macon.  47.  Talledega. 

13.  Coffee.  31.  Madison.  48.  Tallapoosa. 

14.  Conecuh.  32.  Marengo.  49.  Tuscaloosa. 

15.  Coosa.  33.  Marion.  50.  Walker. 

16.  Covington.  34.  Marshall.  51.  Washington. 

17.  Dale.  35.  Mobile.  52.  Wilcox. 

18.  Dallas. 

MOBILE,  situated  at  the  head  of  the  bay  so  named,  thirty 
miles  from  the  Gulf,  is  after  New  Orleans,  the  most  important 
cotton  mart  in  the  Union.  The  site  of  the  city  is  a  sandy 
plain,  which  rises  gradually  as  it  recedes  from  the  water,  and 
its  streets  are  regular.  wtJl  paved  and  handsomely  shaded. 
Of  public  buildings,  may  be  mentioned  the  handsome  market 
house,  the  Custom  House,  arid  the  Odd  Fellows'  and  Tem- 
perance Halls.  The  climate  of  Mobile,  although  debilitating 
to  many  constitutions  in  summer,  is  in  general  healthy,  ex- 
cept  that  it  is  liable  to  occasional  visitations  of  the  yellow 
fever.  This  was  the  original  seat  of  French  colonization  in 
}he  southwest,  and  for  many  years  the  capital  of  the  colony 


UNITED    STATES.  107 

of  Louisiana.  Mobile  was,  in  1813,  ceded  to  the  United 
States  by  Spain,  and  in  December,  1819,  it  was  incorporated  as 
a  city.  Population  30,000. 

*MONTGOMERY,  the  capital  is  situated  on  a  high  bluff,  on 
the  left  bank  of  the  Alabama  river,  and  415  miles  above  Mo- 
bile. The  river  is  navigable  to  this  place  at  all  seasons,  and 
it  is  largely  engaged  in  the  shipment  of  cotton.  The  seat  of 
the  State  government  was  removed  to  this  city  in  1846  from 
Tuscaloosa.  The  State  House  was  destroyed  by  fire  in  1849, 
but  another  was  erected  in  1851.  Population  10,000. 

TUSCA.LOOSA,  is  a  thriving  town  on  the  left  bank  of  the 
Black  Warrior  river,  125  miles  northwest  of  Montgomery. 
It  was  the  former  capital  of  the  State,  and  is  noted  for  its  literary 
institutions  and  active  trade.  It  contains  the  Alabama  Uni- 
versity, and  the  State  Lunatic  Asylum.  Population  4,000. 

HUNTSVILLE,  in  North  Alabama  is  a  noted  trading  town,  with  4,000  in- 
habitants. 

FLORENCE,  situated  at  the  head  of  navigation  on  the  Tennessee  river,  at  the 
foot  of  Muscle  Shoals,  is  one  of  the  principal  shipping  points  for  northern 
Alabama. 

TUSCUMBIA,  on  the  Tennessee  river,  nearly  opposite  Florence,  is  a  place  of 
considerable  trade.  It  is  noted  for  the  spring  which  issues  from  a  large  fis- 
sure in  a  rock,  and  which  discharges  20,000  cubic  feet  of  water  per  minute. 

WETUMPKA,  situated  on  the  Coosa  river,  fourteen  miles  north  of  the  capi- 
tal, is  a  considerable  cotton  market  and  the  seat  of  the  State  Penitentiary. 

COUNTY  CAPITALS. 

1.  Kingston,     2.  Blakely.     3.  Clayton.     4 5.    Centerville. 

6.  Blountsville.  7.  Greenville.  8.  Jacksonville.  9.  Chambers  Court 
House.  10.  Centre.  11.  But.ler.  12.  Clarksville.  13.  Wellborn.  14. 
Sparta.  15.  Ilockford.  16.  Montezuma.  17.  Istwton.  18.  Cahawba. 
19.  Lebanon.  20.  Fayette  Court  House.  21.  Russelville.  22.  Eutaw. 
23.  Abbeville.  24.  Bellefonte.  25.  Elyton.  26.  Florence.  27.  Moul- 
ton.  28.  Athens.  2'.).  Haynesville.  30.  Tuskegee.  31.  Huntsville. 
32.  Linden.  33.  Pikesville.  34.  Warrenton.  35.  Mobile.  36.  Somerville. 
37.  Claiborne.  38.  MONTGOMERY.  39.  Marion.  40.  Pickens  Court  House. 
41.  Troy.  42.  McDonald.  43.  Crawford.  44.  Columbiana.  45.  Ashe- 
ville.  40.  Livingston.  47.  Talladega.  48.  Dadeville.  49.  Tuscaloosa. 
50.  Jasper.  51.  Old  Washington.  52.  Camden. 

MISSISSIPPI. 

Area  47,000  square  miles.  Population  791,000.  Slaves 
436,960. 

Mississippi  is  a  large  agricultural  State.-  The  first  perma- 
nent settlement  within  its  limits  was  made  by  the  French  at 

was  th«  first  capital  of  tl*«  Gonfc4*wto  Stales  of  A&»> 


108  GEOGRAPHICAL   HAND  BOOK. 

Natchez  in  1716,  and  the  session  of  the  territory  east  of  the 
Mississippi  river  to  the  English  at  the  treaty  of  Paris, in  1763, 
included  this  State.  In  1798  it  was  erected  into  a  territorial 
government,  including  Alabama,  and  in  1817,  the  latter  was 
set  off  from  it,  and  Mississippi  admitted  as  a  member  of  the 
Federal  Union.  It  is  bounded  north  by  Tennessee,  east  by 
Alabama,  south  by  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  and  Louisiana,  and 
west  by  Louisiana  and  Arkansas ;  and  is  divided  into  sixty 
counties. 

Surface,  fyc. — The  surface  'slopes  in  general  to  the  south 
and  southwest,  as  the  course  of  its  rivers  indicate.  There  are 
no  mountains  here,  but  numerous  hills,  which  give  to  the 
State  a  diversified  and  undulating  aspect.  The  western  part, 
lying  on  the  Mississippi,  is  low  and  marshy,  and  subject  to 
frequent  overflows.  The  northern  and  central  portions  are 
very  fertile. 

Rivers. — The  whole  western  border  is  washed  by  the  Mis- 
sissippi, which  receives  within  this  State  the  Yazoo  and  the 
Big  Black  rivers  as  affluents.  The  Pearl  and  the  Pascagoula 
have  their  sources  here  and  flow  south  into  the  Gulf  of  Mex- 
ico. The  Tombigbee  rises  in  the  northeastern  part  and  flows 
south  through  Alabama  into  the  Gulf  of  Mexico. 

Climate. — The  winters  are  colder  than  in  the  same  latitude 
upon  the  Atlantic  coast  and  snow  generally  falls  every  win- 
ter. The  summers  are  long  and  hot,  arid  protracted  rains 
are  generally  succeeded  by  great  drought.  Along  the  rivers 
and  stagnant  waters  it  is  very  unhealthy. 

Products. — This  is  one  of  those  called  the  Cotton  States. 
Its  staples  are  cotton,  rice  and  sugar,  and  great  quantities  of 
com  are  likewise  produced.  Apples,  peaches  and  plums 
flourish,  and  in  the  southern  parts  the  season  is  long  enough 
to  mature  the  fig  and  orange.  Besides  its  peculiar  adapta- 
bility to  the  growth  of  the  above,  it  yields  most  products  of 
the  Northern  States. 

Manufactures. — This,  like  most  of  the  Southern  States, 
has  made  but  small  progress  in  the  establishment  of  manu- 
factures, and  the  liitle  attention  already  bestowed  upon  this 
branch  of  industry,  leaves  Mississippi  to  be  characterized  as 
a  non-manufacturing  State.  Her  home-made  manufactures 
are  the  principal. 

Education. — Mississippi  cannot  be  regarded  as  having 
made  any  special  progress  in  the  cause  of  general  education ; 


UNITED    STATES.  109 

but  she  maintains  her  rank  in  her  efforts  to  advance  the  edu- 
cation of  her  planters  and  persons  of  wealth  and  affluence. 
Located  within  this  State  we  find  the  University  of  Missis- 
sippi, at  Oxford,  founded  in  1848,  and  the  following  colleges: 
Oakland  College,  in  Claiborne  county,  founded  in  1830 ; 
Mississippi  College,  at  Clinton,  founded  in  1851 ;  and  Sem- 
ple  Broaddus  College,  at  Centre  Hill,  founded  in  1856. 

Government. — The  Governor  is  elected  for  two  years.  The 
Senate  consists  of  32  and  the  House  of  Representatives  of  92 
members ;  the  former  elected  for  four  years,  and  the  latter 
for  two  years.  The  sessions  of  the  legislature  are  held  bien- 
nially. 

COUNTIES. 

1.  Adams.  21.  Issaquena.  41.  Panola. 

2.  Amite.  22.  Itawamba.  42.  Perry. 

3.  Attala.  28.  Jackson.  43.  Pike. 

4.  Bolivar.  24.  Jasper.  44.  Pontotoc. 

5.  Calhoun.  2f>.  Jefferson.  45.  Rankio. 

6.  Carroll.  2ii.  Jones.  40.  Scott. 

7.  Chickasaw.  27.  Kemper.  47.  Simpson. 

8.  Choctaw.  28.  Lafayette.  48.  Smith. 

9.  Claiborne.  29.  L*uderd*le.  49.  Sunflower. 

10.  Clarke.  30.  Lawrence.  50.  Tallahatchic.1 

11.  Coahoma.  31.  Leake.  51.  Tippah. 

12.  Copiah.  32.  Lowndes.  52.  Tishemingo. 

13.  Covington.  38.  Madison.  53.  Tunica. 

14.  De  Soto.  34.  Marion.  54.  Warren. 

15.  Franklin.  35.  Marshall.  55.  Washington. 
10.  Greene.  36.  Monroe.  56.  Wayne. 

17.  Hancock.  37.  Neshoba.  57.  Wilkinson. 

18.  Harrison.  38.  Newton.  58.  Winston. 

19.  Hinds.  39.  Noxubee.  59.  Yallabusha. 

20.  Holmes.  40.  Oktibbeha.  60.  Yazoo. 

NATCHEZ,  situated  on  the  Mississippi,  280  miles  above  New 
Orleans,  is  the  largest  and  most  commercial  city  in  the  State. 
It  occupies  a  commanding  position  upon  the  banks  of  the 
river,  and  its  streets  are  regular,  lighted  with  gas  and  lined 
with  shade  trees.  The  houses  are  generally  built  of  brick 
and  adorned  with  flower  gardens  and  orange  groves.  The 
site  of  the  city  was  selected  by  a  party  sent  by  Lemoile 
d'lerville,  in  1700.  Natchez  is  the  centre  of  an  active 
trade — the  principal  article  of  which  is  cotton.  In  1840  a 
large  part  of  the  city  was  laid  in  ruins  by  a  tornado.  Pop- 
ulation 14,000. 
J  ACKSON,  the  capital,  on  the  right  bank  of  Pearl  river,  forty-five 


110  GEOGRAPHICAL   HAND    BOOK. 

miles  east  from  Vicksburg,  with  4,000  inhabitants.  It  is  built 
upon  level  ground  and  is  regularly  laid  out.  It  contains  the 
State  Lunatic  Asylum,  Institutions  for  the  Deaf,  Dumb  and 
Blind,  and  a  State  Prison.  Its  State  House  is  a  superb  edi- 
fice, erected  at  a  cost  of  $600,000.  The  Pearl  river  is  navi- 
gable to  this  place. 

VICKSBURG,  built  upon  [the  Mississippi,  400  miles  above 
New  Orleans,  is  the  most  commercial  town  upon  the  river 
between  Natchez  and  Memphis.  It  carries  on  a  lively  trade, 
especially  in  cotton. 

ABERDEEN,  situated  in  Monroe  county,  on  the  Tombigbee 
river,  is  one  of  the  most  flourishing  and  commercial  towns  of 
the  State.  Its  shipment  of  cotton  is  considerable.  The  adja- 
cent country  is  highly  productive.  Population  4,000. 

HOLLY  SPRINGS,  in  Marshall  county,  is  noted  for  its  excel- 
lent schools  and  the  intelligence  of  its  citizens.  Population 
3,500. 

COLUMBUS,  on  the  left  bank  of  the  Tombigbee  river,  sixty 
miles  below  Aberdeen,  is  a  thriving  town  of  about  3,500 
inhabitants.  The  river  is  navigable  throughout  the  year  for 
steamboats,  which  make  regular  trips  between  this  place  and 
Mobile. 

PASS  CHRISTIAN,  PASCAGOULA,  and  BILOXI  on  the  coast,  are 
noted  summer  resorts  for  the  fashionable  of  New  Orleans 
and  Mobile. 

COUNTY  CAPITALS. 

1.  Natchez.  2.  Liberty.  3.  Kosciusko.  4.  Bolivia.  5.  Pittsboro.  G. 
Carrollton,  7.  Houston.  8.  Greensborough.  9.  Port  Gibson.  10.  Quit- 
man.  11.  Delta.  12.  Gallatin.  13.  Williamsburg.  14.  Hernando.  15. 
Meadville.  16.  Leakesville.  17.  Shieldsborough.  38.  Mississippi  City. 
19.  Raymond.  20.  Lexington.  2L-  Tallula.  22.  Fulton.  23.  Jackson- 
borough.  24.  Paulding.  25.  Fayette.  20.  Ellis ville.  27.  De  Kalb.  28. 
Oxford.  29.  Marion.  30.  Monticello.  31.  Carthage.  32.  Columbus.  33. 
Canton.  34.  Columbia.  35.  Holly  Springs.  36.  Aberdeen.  37.  Philadel- 
phia. 38.  Decatur.  39.  Macon.  40.  Starkville,  41.  Panola.  42.  Au- 
gusta. 43.  Holmesville.  44.  Pontotoc.  45.  Brandon.  46.  Hillsborough. 
47.  Westville.  48.  Raleigh.  49.  McNutt.  50.  Charleston.  51.  Ripley. 
52.  Jacinto.  53.  Austin.  54.  Vicksburg.  55.  Greensville.  56.  Win- 
chester. 57.  Woodville.  58.  Louisville.  59.  Coffeeville.  60.  Yazoo  City. 

LOUISIANA. 

Area  41,000  square  miles.     Population   710,000.     Slaves 
333,000. 
Louisiana  is  a  large,  level  and  fertile  State*    It  \va*  first 


UNITED    STATES.  Ill 

visited  by  La  Salle  in  1691,  and  named  in  honor  of  Louis 
the  XlVth,  of  France,  who  granted  a  charter  for  the  territory 
to  M.  Crozart.  At  the  treaty  of  1763  it  was  ceded  to  Spain, 
and  in  1800  receded  to  France,  from  which  power  the  United 
States  government  purchased  it  in  1803  for  the  sum  of  fifteen 
million  dollars.  In  1812  its  constitution  was  formed  and  it 
was  admitted  as  a  sovereign  State  of  the  Federal  Union.  In 
this  State  was  fought,  January  8th,  1815,  the  celebrated  battle 
of  New  Orleans,  in  which  Gen.  Jackson  repulsed  the  British 
with  great  loss.  It  is  bounded  north  by  Arkansas  and  Mis- 
sissippi, east  by  Mississippi  and  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  south 
by  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  and  west  by  Texas.  It  contains 
forty-eight  parishes. 

Surface,  fyc. — The  great  part  of  this  State  is  an  unvaried 
level.  Much  of  the  south  is  low  and  subject  to  overflow,  but 
west  of  the  Mississippi  the  central  and  and  northern  parts 
are  hilly.  The  region  around  the  mouth  of  the  Mississippi 
is  destitute  of  trees  and  covered  with  a  species  of  reed  four 
feet  high.  The  most  fertile  parts  are  the  alluvial  soil  on  the 
borders  of  the  rivers. 

Rivers. — The  Mississippi  flows  through  Louisiana  and  en- 
ters the  gulf  by  several  mouths.  The  Red  river  flows  through 
the  northwestern,  and  the  Washita  through  the  northeastern 
part,  and  unite  their  waters  before  entering  the  Mississippi. 
The  Pearl  river  forms  part  of  the  eastern,  and  the  Sabine  the 
principal  part  of  the  western  boundary. 

Lakes. — Pontchartrain  and  Maurepas,  north  of  the  city  of 
New  Orleans,  are  the  principal  lakes  in  this  State,  besides  a 
great  number  of  small  ones  west  of  the  Mississippi. 

Bays. — The  whole  coast  is  indented  by  numerous  bays 
and  inlets,  which  are  united  together  by  many  tortuous  chan- 
nels, that  are  generally  shallow  and  of  difficult  navigation. 

Climate. — The  climate  of  Louisiana  greatly  resembles  that  of 
southern  Alabama  and  Florida.  In  the  low,  marshy  regions, 
the  summers  are  unhealthy,  and  in  the  neighborhood  of  New 
Orleans  the  visits  of  the  yellow  fever  are  frequent.  Many  of 
the  inhabitants  of  the  metropolis  for  this  reason,  retire  north 
during  the  hot  months  of  summer. 

Products. — Louisiana  in  her  agricultural  resources  is  one 
of  the  most  important  States  of  the  Union.  Like  Mississippi, 
her  staples  are  cotton,  rice,  and  sugar,  but  oranges,  lemons, 
figs,  and  the  tropical  fruits  generally  flourish  in  the  southern 


112  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND-BOOK. 

parts.     Maize  is  greatly  cultivated,  and  the  sweet  potato  grows 
in  the  sandy  soil  in  the  greatest  luxuriance. 

Manufactures. — The  manufactures  of  Louisiana,  although, 
not  extensive,  are  nevertheless  considerable,  especially  those 
of  home  made  wares,  and  coarse  sugar  and  molasses,  but  the 
refining  of  these  two  latter  articles  has  hitherto  been  generally 
done  in  the  northern  states. 

Education. — By  the  Constitution  of  the  State  of  Louisiana, 
a  system  of  free  school  education  is  established,  and 
the  public  schools  are  supported  by  means  of  an  annual  ap- 
propriation and  the  fund  accruing  from  the  public  and  es- 
cheated lands.  The  Colleges  of  this  State  are:  Washington 
College,  in  Washington  county,  founded  in  1795 ;  and  the 
Centenary  College,  in  Jackson,  founded  in  1845.  Besides 
these  two  institutions,  a  respectable  number  of  Academies, 
Seminaries  and  High  Schools  are  met  with  in  this  State. 

Government. — The  Governor  is  elected  for  four  years  by 
the  people,  and  the  Lieutenant  Governor  for  the  same  length 
of  time.  The  Senate  consists  of  32,  and  the  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives of  97  members,  the  former  elected  for  four  years, 
the  latter  for  two.  The  General  Assembly  meets  on  the  3rd 
Monday  of  January. 

Inhabitants. — Owing  to  the  original  colonization  of  Louis- 
iana by  France  and  Spain,  it  contains  a  greater  intermixture 
of  the  people  of  these  countries  with  their  manners  and  cus- 
toms, than  any  other  State  in  the  Union. 

PARISHES. 

1.  Ascension.  17.  Iberville.  33,  St.  Helena. 

2.  Assumption.  18.  Jackson.  34.   St.  James. 

3.  Avoyelles.  19.  Jefferson.  35.  St.  John  Baptist. 

4.  Bienville.  20.  Lafayette.  36.  St.  Landry. 

5.  Bossier.  21.  Lafourche.  37.  St.  Martin's. 

6.  Caddo.  22.  Livingston.  38.  St.  Mary's. 

7.  Calcasieu.  23.  Madison.  39.  St.  Tammany. 

8.  Caldwell.  24.  Morehouse.  40.  Tensas. 

9.  Carroll.  25.  Natchitoches.  41.  Terre  Bonne. 

10.  Catahoula.  26.  Orleans.  42.  Union. 

11.  Claiborne.  27.  Plaquemine.  43.  Vermillion. 

12.  Concordia.  28.  Point  Coupee.  44.  Washita. 

13.  De  Soto.  29.  Rapides.  45.  Washington, 

14.  East  Baton  Rouge.      30.  Sabine.  46.  West  Baton  Rouge. 

15.  Eest  Feliciana.  31.  St  Bernard.  47.  West  Feliciana. 

16.  Franklin.  32  St.  Charles.  48.  Winn. 


UNITED    STATES.  113 

*NEW  ORLEANS,  situated  on  the  left  bank  of  the  Mississippi, 
about  100  miles  from  its  mouth,  is  the  metropolis  of  the 
southern  Mississippi  Valley.  The  plan  of  the  city  is  regular, 
with  broad  and  well  paved  streets,  which  intersect  each  other 
at  right  angles;  and  many  of  the  private  residences  are  large 
and  handsome,  being  surrounded  with  yards,  and  beautifully 
decorated  with  gardens  and  olive  groves.  The  streets,  shops 
and  dwellings  exhibit  a  great  variety  of  style  and  construc- 
tion. Owing  to  its  being  built  around  the  bend  of  the  river, 
it  bears  the  name  of  the  "  Crescent  City."  The  Custom 
House,  (not  yet  finished,)  arid  the  Mint,  are  unsurpassed  in 
magnificence  by  any  structures  of  the  kind  in  the  United 
States.  The  former  was  begun  in  1848,  and  its  estimated 
cost  is  $3,500,000.  It  is  built  of  granite  in  shape  of  a  trape- 
zium, to  adapt  it  to  the  streets  by  which  it  is  enclosed.  Of 
churches,  the  most  celebrated  is  the  Cathedral  of  St.  Louis,  a 
splendid  gothic  edifice,  fronting  on  Jackson  Square.  The 
Jewish  Synagogue,  the  Presbyterian  Church,  opposite  La- 
fayette Square,  and  the  new  Episcopal  Church,  are  all  gor- 
geous structures,  besides  numerous  smaller  churches. 
The  hotels  of  this  city  are  conducted  upon  a  scale  of  magni- 
tude and  splendor  scarcely  equalled  by  any  city  in  the  Union. 
The  St.  Charles  Hotel,  situated" on  the  street  so  named,  was 
erected  in  1852,  at  a  cost  of  $590,000,  and  is  one  of  the  finest 
in  any  city.  New  Orleans  contains  numerous  benevolent, 
literary  and  educational  institutions.  The  public  school  sys- 
tem, inaugurated  in  1841,  is  very  excellent  and  has  been 
conducted  with  great  success.  This  city  possesses  une- 
qualled facilities  for  inland  commerce.  The  Missis- 
sippi and  its  tributaries  afford  not  less  than  15,000  miles  of 
waters  which  are  navigated  by  steamboats  that  pass  through 
the  most  fertile  soils  and  the  most  delightful  climates.  It  is 
the  most  extensive  cotton  mart  in  the  world.  The  city  was 
settled  by  the  French  in  1717,  and  in  1723  Bienville  changed 
his  head  quarters  from  Mobile  to  this  place,  and  the  seat  of 
government  was  permanently  transferred.  It  was  named  in 
honor  of  the  Duke  of  Orleans,  who  was  regent  of  France 
during  the  minority  of  Louis  XV.  The  most  memorable 
event  in  the  history  of  this  city  was  the  battle  between  the 

*0n  or  about  the  26th  of  April,  1862,  New  Orleans,  the  metropolis  of  the 
"  Southern  Confederacy,"  was  captured  by  the  Federal  Navy,  and  is  now 
in  the  military  occupancy  of  the  United  States  Government. 


114  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND-BOOK. 

English,  under  Gen.  Packenham,  and  the  Americans,  under 
Gen.  Jackson,  on  the  8th  of  January,  1815,  in  which  the  lor- 
mer  were  defeated.  Population  170,000. 

BATON  ROUGE,  situated  on  the  Mississippi,  129  miles  above 
New  Orleans,  is  a  flourishing  town  and  the  seat  of  the  State 
government.  It  contains  the  State  House,  Barracks  and 
Penitentiary.  Population  6,000. 

NATCHITOCHES  is  a  place  of  active  trade,  situated  in  Red  river,  in  the  par- 
ish of  the  same  name,  500  miles  northwest  of  New  Orleans. 

DONALDSONVILLE,  on  the  Mississippi,  ninety-five  miles  above  New  Orleans, 
is  also  a  town  of  some  trade. 

PARISH   CAPITALS. 

1.  Donaldsonville.  2.  Assumption  C.  H.  3.  Marksville.  4.  Mt.  Leba- 
non. 5.  Belleview.  6.  Shreveport.  7.  Lisbon.  8.  Columbia.  9.  Prov- 
idence. 10.  Harrisonburg.  11.  Homer.  12.  Vidalia.  13  Mansfield. 
14.  BATON  ROUGE.  15.  Clinton.  16.  Winnsborough.  17.  Iberville.  18. 
Vernon.  19.  Lafayette.  20.  Vermillionville.  21.  Thibodeaux.  22. 
Springfield.  23.  Richmond.  24.  Bastrop.  25.  Natchitoches.  26.  New 
Orleans.  27.  Plaquemine  C.  H.  28.  Point  Coupee.  29.  Alexandria. 
30.  Manny.  31.  .  .  32.  St.  Charles.  C.  H.  33.  Greensburg.  34. 
Bringiers.  35.  Bonnet  Carre.  36.  Opelousas.  37.  St.  Martinsville.  88. 
Franklin.  39.  Covington.  40.  St.  Joseph.  41.  Houma.  42.  Farmers- 
ville.  43.  Vermillion  C.  H.  44.  Monroe.  45.  Frankliuton.  46.  West 
Baton  Rouge.  47.  St.  Francisville.  48.  ... 

TEXAS. 

Area  237,000  square  miles.  Population  600,000.  Slaves 
180,600. 

Texas  is  the  largest,  and  one  of  the  most  fertile  States  of 
the  American  Union.  It  originally  composed  a  portion  of  the 
Mexican  Republic,  but  the  people  declared  themselves  free, 
and  in  1836  achieved  their  Independence  in  the  celebrated 
battle  of  San  Jacinto,  fought  April  21st,  of  that  year.  It  re- 
mained an  independent  State  until  1846,  when  it  was  ad- 
mitted as  a  member  of  the  American  Union,  with  the  reserved 
privilege  of  being  subdivided  into  five  separate  States,  as  soon 
as  its  population  would  justify  the  division.  Disputes  con- 
cerning the  boundary  of  this  State,  gave  rise  to  the  war  with 
Mexico,  which  resulted  in  the  establishment  of  the  Rio  Grande 
as  its  southwestern  boundary.  It  is  bounded  north  by  New 
Mexico,  the  Indian  Territory  and  Arkansas,  east  by  Arkansas 
and  Louisiana,  southeast  by  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  and  south- 
west and  west  by  Mexico  and  New  Mexico;  and  it  comprises 
154  counties. 


UNITED    STATES.  11.5 

Surface. — Every  variety  of  surface  is  found  within  the 
limits  of  this  State.  It  is  level  upon  the  coast,  uneven  in  the 
interior,  and  in  the  northwest  hilly  and  mountainous.  On 
the  west,  run  several  ridges  of  the  Mexican  Cordilleras,  which 
subside  into  the  elevated  table  lands  of  Texas.  The  soil  is 
generally  of  uncommon  fertility. 

Rivers. — The  Rio  Grande,  the  largest  river  of  Texas,  forms 
its  western  boundary  and  empties  after  a  course  of  1800 
miles  into  the  Gulf  of  Mexico.  The  Sabine  forms  part  of  the 
eastern  boundary.  The  Rio  Neches,  the  Trinidad,  the  Bra- 
zos, and  the  Colorado,  are  the  principal  remaining  rivers,  all 
of  which  flow  southeast  into  the  Gulf  of  Mexico. 

Climate. — Texas  enjoys  a  mild,  agreeable  and  healthy  cli- 
mate, free  from  the  extremes  of  both  the  torrid  and  temperate 
zones.  The  heat  of  summer  is  usually  mitigated  by  the  re- 
freshing breezes  from  the  Gulf,  which  usually  blow  with 
great  steadiness  during  the  hot  season.  In  November  the 
cold  season  commences,  by  the  setting  in  of  the  Boreal  winds 
from  the  north,  and  these  continue  to  blow  during  Decem- 
ber and  January,  and  the  mountains  are  sometimes  covered 
with  snow,  which,  however,  in  the  low  districts  melts  quickly. 

Products. — Cotton,  the  great  staple  of  this  State,  is  produced 
in  nearly  all  sections  of  it,  and  that  grown  near  the  Gulf  is 
pronounced  equal  to  the  celebrated  sea  island  cotton.  Indian 
Corn,  the  other  great  staple,  is  grown  everywhere  and  yields 
two  crops  every  season.  The  soil  and  climate  are  adapted  to 
the  growth  of  the  sugar  cane,  indigo,  tobacco,  rice,  and  sweet 
potatoes,  and  in  some  parts  wheat,  rye  and  oats,  are  success- 
fully cultivated.  The  prairies  furnish  pasture  all  the  year 
round. 

Manufactures. — Texas  is  too  young  a  State,  and  her  rich, 
beautiful  prairies  and  fertile  bottoms  are  too  well  adapted  to 
agriculture,  for  the  inhabitants  to  turn  their  attention  towards 
manufacturing.  She  can  for  many  coming  years  play  her 
part  as  an  agricultural  State  without  exhausting  the  fertility 
of  her  deep  and  loamy  soil.  Her  few  established  manufac- 
tures comprise  those  of  cotton  and  iron. 

Education. — The  people  of  this  State,  are  no  longer  to  be 
viewed  as  constituting  such  a  barbarian  state  of  society,  (as 
did  in  general  the  first  inhabitants,)  which  does  not  appreciate 
the  benefits  and  blessings  of  an  education  ;  yet  the  Texans  are 
even  yet  unable  to  claim  credit  for  great  advancement  in  this 


116 


GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND   BOOK. 


particular,  either  as  regards  the  establishment  of  common 
schools  or  of  institutions  designed  to  impart  a  superior  grade 
of  culture. 

Curiosities. — The  pass  of  the  Guadalupe  mountains,  the 
Castle  mountain  Pass,  and  the  Falls  of  the  Colorado,  120  feet 
high,  are  the  principal  objects  in  this  State,  worthy  the  trav- 
eller's attention. 

Government. — The  Governor  and  Lieutenant  Governor 
are  each  elected  for  two  years,  the  latter  being  ex-officio  Pres- 
ident of  the  Senate.  The  Senate,  consisting  of  21  members, 
is  elected  for  four  years,  and  the  House  of  Representatives  of 
66  members,  for  two  years.  The  sessions  of  the  Legislature 
are  held  biennially  and  commence  in  December. 

Inhabitants. — Texas  was  originally  settled  by  the  Span- 
iards, as  the  names  of  her  rivers  and  towns  would  seem  to 
testify.  The  flow  of  the  Anglo-Saxon  element  into  this  State 
since  1821,  produced  the  Texan  revolution,  and  since  her 
admission  into  the  American  Union,  the  vestiges  of  her  Span- 
ish origin  are  rapidly  disappearing. 


1.  Angelina. 

2.  Anderson. 

3.  Archer. 

4.  Atacosa. 

5.  Austin. 

6.  Bandera. 

7.  Baylor. 

8.  Bee. 

9.  Blanco. 

10.  Bosque. 

11.  Bowie. 

12.  Bell. 

13.  Buchanan. 

14.  Brown. 

15.  Burleson. 

16.  Bastrop. 

17.  Brazoria. 

18.  Bexar. 

19.  Brazos. 

20.  Burnet. 

21.  Callahan. 

22.  Cherokee. 

23.  Clay. 

24.  Coleman. 

25.  Comanche. 

26.  Concho. 

27.  Coryelle. 


COUNTIES. 

28.  Cook. 

29.  Caldwell. 

30.  Comal. 

31.  Chambers. 

32.  Calhoun. 

33.  Cameron. 

34.  Collin. 

35.  Colorado. 

36.  Games. 

37.  Cass. 

38.  Dawson. 

39.  Dallas. 

40.  Denton. 

41.  De  Witt. 

42.  Dimmit. 

43.  Duval. 

44.  Eastland. 

45.  Edwards. 

46.  Ellis. 

47.  El  Paso. 

48.  Encinal. 

49.  Erath. 

50.  Fort  Bend. 

51.  Fayette. 

52.  Freestone. 

53.  Frio. 

54.  Fannin. 


55.  Falls. 

56.  Goliad. 

57.  Gillespie. 

58.  Guadalupe. 

59.  Galveston. 

60.  Grayson. 

61.  Gonzales. 

62.  Grimes. 

63.  Hackelford. 

64.  Hamilton. 

65.  Hardeman. 

66.  Haskell. 

67.  Harris. 

68.  Harrison. 

69.  Hayes. 

70.  Henderson. 

71.  Hill. 

72.  Hidalgo. 

73.  Houston. 

74.  Hopkins. 

75.  Hunt. 

76.  Jack. 

77.  Jackson, 

78.  Jasper. 

79.  Jefferson. 

80.  Johnson. 

81.  Jones. 


UNITED    STATES.  lit 

82.  Kaufman.  107.  McMullen.  131.  Shelby. 

83.  Karnes.  108.  Montgomery.  132.  Taylor. 

84.  Kerr.  109.  Newton.  133.  Throckmorton. 

85.  Kimble.  110.  Navarro.  134.  T>ler. 

86.  Kinney.  111.  Nacogdoches.  135.  Titus. 

87.  Knox.  112.  Nueces.  136.  Travis. 

88.  Lavacca.  113.  Orange.  137.  Tarrsint. 

89.  La  Salle.  114.  Panola.  138.  Trinity. 

90.  Limestone.  115.  Polk.  139.  Upshur. 

91.  Leon.  116.  Palo  Pinto.  140.  Uvalde. 

92.  Llano.  117.  Parke.  141.  Victoria. 

93.  Live  Oak.  118.  Presidio.  142.  Van  Zandt. 

94.  Lamar.  119.  Rusk.  143.  Washington. 

95.  Lampasas.  120.  Robertson.  144.  Webb. 

96.  Liberty.  121.  Refugio.  145.  Wichita. 

97.  Mason.  122.  Red  River.  146.  Wilbranger. 

98.  Matagorda.  123.  Runnels.  147.  Wise. 

99.  Medina.  124.  San  Augustine.  148.  Williamson. 

100.  McCulloch.  125.  Sabine.  149.  Wharton. 

101.  Menard.  126.  Shackelford.  150.  Wood. 

102.  Milam.  127.  Smith.  151.  Walker. 

103.  Madison.  128.  San  Patricio.  152.  Young. 

104.  McLennan.  129.  Starr.  153.  Zapata. 

105.  Maverick.  130.  San  Saba.  154.  Zavala. 

106.  Montague. 

AUSTIN,  situated  on  the  Rio  Colorado,  about  200  miles 
from  its  mouth,  is  the  seat  of  the  State  government.  It  be- 
came the  capital  in  1844.  The  supreme  court  meets  here 
annually.  The  environs  of  Austin  are  highly  picturesque. 
Population  5,000. 

SAN  ANTONIO,  built  upon  one  of  the  head  streams  of  the 
San  Antonio  river,  110  miles  southwest  of  the  capital,  is  one 
of  the  oldest  towns  in  North  America,  having  been  originally 
settled  by  the  Spaniards.  It  is  a  wealthy  town,  with  a  rap- 
idly increasing  population,  and  contains  a  United  States 
Arsenal  and  several  handsome  churches.  It  has  been  the 
scene  of  several  battles,  including  the  massacre  of  the  Alamo, 
March  6th,  1836.  Population  9,000. 

GALVESTON,  a  port  of  entry,  situated  at  the  northeast  ex- 
tremity of  the  island  of  the  same  name,  is  the  most  populous 
city  and  the  commercial  emporium  ol  Texas.  Its  harbor  is 
the  best  in  the  State,  having  twelve  feet  of  water  over  the  bar 
at  low  tide.  The  island  upon  which  Galveston  is  built  is 
twenty-eight  miles  long  and  from  one  and  a  half  to  three  and 
a  half  miles  wide.  Nearly  all  the  foreign  trade  of  the  State 
is  transacted  at  this  place,  and  up  to  a  recent  date,  it  has  been 
rapidly  on  the  increase.  The  city  contains  several  founderies, 


118  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND-BOOK. 

machine  shops,  cotton  presses,  &c.     It  dates  its  growth  from 
1837.     Population  12,000. 

HOUSTON,  on  Buffalo  Bayou,  forty-five  miles  from  its  en- 
trance into  Galveston  Bay,  is  the  second  commercial  city  of 
the  State.  It  has  iron  founderies,  machine  shops,  cotton 
presses,  and  manufactures  of  various  kinds.  Population  7,000. 

BROWNSVILLE,  located  on  the  left  bank  of  the  Rio  Grande,  forty  miles  from 
its  mouth,  is  one  of  the  most  populous  and  commercial  towns  in  the  State, 
and  carries  on  an  extensive  trade  with  Mexico.  This  town,  formerly  Fort 
Brown,  has  been  named  in  honor  of  Major  Brown  of  the  American  army, 
who  was  killed,  May  Cth,  184G,  by  a  shell  from  the  Mexican  batteries.  Pop- 
ulation 6,000. 

MARSHALL,  about  250  miles  northeast  of  Galveston,  is  a  thriving  town 
situated  in  the  midst  of  fertile  and  highly  agricultural  country. 

HARRISBURG,  on  Buffalo  Bayou,  NACOGDOCHES  and  SAN  AUGUSTINE,  in 
northern  Texas  ;  and  FORT  LAVACCA,  INDIANOLA  and  MATAGORDA  in  southern 
Texas,  are  all  flourishing  towns. 

COUNTY  CAPITALS. 

1.  Marion.  2.  ...  3.  ...  4.  ...  5.  Belleville.  6.  . 
.  .  7.  .  .  .  8.  ...  9.  ...  10.  Meridian.  11.  Boston. 
12.  Belton.  13.  ...  14.  ...  15.  Caldwell.  16.  Bastrop.  17. 
Brazoria.  18.  San  Antonio.  19.  Booneviile.  20.  Hamilton.  21.  .  .  . 
22.  Husk.  23.  ...  24.  ...  25.  ...  26.  ...  27. 
Gatesville.  28.  Gainesville.  29.  Lockhart.  30.  New  Braunfels.  31.  .  . 
32.  Lavacca.  33.  Brownsville.  34.  McKinney.  35.  Columbus.  36.  Helena. 
37.  Jefferson.  38.  ...  39.  Dallas.  40.  Alton.  41.  Clinton.  42. 
...  43.  ...  44.  ...  45.  ...  40.  Waxahachie.  47. 
.  .  48.  .  .  49.  .  .  50.  Richmond.  51.  La  Grange.  52.  Fairfield. 
53.  .  .  .  54.  Bonham.  55.  Marlin.  56.  Goliad.  57.  Fredericksburg. 
58.  Seguin.  59.  Galveston.  60.  Sherman.  61.  Gonzales.  62.  Anderson. 
63.  ...  64.  ...  65.  ...  66.  ...  67.  Houston.  68. 
Marshall.  69.  San  Marcos.  70.  Athens.  71.  Hillsboro'.  72.  Edinburg. 
73.  -Crockett.  74.  Tarrant.  75.  Greenville.  76.  ...  77.  Texana. 
78.  Jasper.  79.  Beaumont.  80.  Wardville.  81.  ...  82.  Kaufman. 
83.  ...  84.  ..,  85.  ...  86.  ...  87.  Halletville. 

88.     ...     89.     ...     90.    Springfield.     91.    Leona.     92 

93.  ...  94.  Paris.  95.  .  .  .  96.  .  .  .  97.  ...  98. 
Matagorda.  99.  Castorville.  100.  ...  101.  ...  102.  Cameron. 
103.  Madisonville.  104.  Waco.  105,  .  .  .  106,  .  .  .  107.  .  . 
108.  Montgomery.  109.  Burkeville.  110.  Corsicano.  111.  Nacogdoches. 
112.  Corpus  Christi.  113,  Madison.  114.  Carthage.  115.  Livingston. 
116.  .  .  .  117.  .  .  .  118.  .  .  .  119.  Henderson.  120.  Frank- 
lin. 121.  Refugio.  122.  Clarksville.  123.  .  .  .  124.  San  Augustine. 
125.  Milam.  126.  .  .  .  127.  Tyler.  128.  San.  Patricio.  129.  Rio 
Grande  City.  130.  .  .  .  131.  Shelby ville.  132.  .  .  .  133.  .  . 
334.  Woodville.  135.  Mt.  Pleasant.  186.  AUSTIN.  137.  Birdsville.  188. 
Trinity  Court  House.  139.  Gilmer.  140.  .  .  .  141.  Victoria.  142. 
Jordan's  Saline.  143.  Brenham.  144.  ...  145.  .  .  .  146.  - 

.  147.  .  .  .  148.  Georgetown.  149.  Wharton.  150.  Quitman.  151. 
Huntsville.  152.  ,  •  153.  •  ,  154. 


UNITED    STATES.  119 


THE  WESTERN   STATES. 

Area  889,000  square  miles.     Population  12,186,000. 

The  Western  States  comprise  Arkansas,  Kentucky,  Ten- 
nessee, Ohio,  Indiana,  Illinois,  Michigan,  Wisconsin,  Iowa, 
Missouri,  California,  Minnesota,  Oregon  and  Kansas.  With 
the  exception  of  Oregon  and  California  they  all  lie  in  the 
great  valley  of  the  Mississippi,  and  are  noted  for  their  mild 
climate,  fertile  soil,  large  arid  navigable  rivers,  and  for  their 
unprecedented  growth  in  population,  wealth  and  political 
importance.  The  most  distinguishing  feature  of  their  geog- 
raphy is  the  extensive  prairies  or  natural  meadows  which 
comprise  so  large  a  portion  of  their  surface.  These  are  gen- 
erally destitute  of  trees,  but  are  covered  with  tall  grass  and 
wild  flowers.  A  vast  extent  of  country  north  of  the  Ohio 
and  west  of  the  Mississippi  is  covered  by  these  prairies,  and 
they  furnish  pasturage  for  innumerable  herds  of  buffalo,  deer 
and  various  other  wild  animals. 

The  climate  of  the  Western  States  is  regarded  as  salubrious 
and  pleasant,  and  not  so  liable  to  sudden  changes  as  that  of  the 
Middle  and  Eastern  States.  They  contain  the  largest  section 
of  fertile  land  in  the  Union,  and  the  exuberant  fertility  of  the 
soil  fits  them  for  becoming  the  cereal  storehouse  of  the  whole 
continent.  Their  products  are  various  and  important.  The 
principal  of  these  are,  wheat  and  corn,  in  the  northern  part ; 
cotton,  hemp  and  tobacco,  in  the  middle,  arid  cotton,  maize 
and  other  grains  in  the  southern  part.  Most  fruits  grow  here  in 
abundance.  Great  numbers  of  horses,  cattle  and  swine  are 
raised,'and  many  thousand  barrels  of  beef  and  porkaresalted 
and  annually  exported  to  the  southern  and  eastern  markets. 
No  country  in  the  world,  probably, of  the  same  extent,  is  so  well 
watered  as  the  valley  of  the  Mississippi.  Many  large  rivers 
course  through  this  vast  region,  affording  every  facility  for 
inland  commerce.  Vast  numbers  of  steamboats  are  constant- 
ly passing  up  and  down  the  Mississippi  and  its  numerous 
branches,  to  and  from  New  Orleans,  and  these  supply  the 
usual  medium  of  commerce  and  travel  between  the  Crescent 
City  and  the  numerous  river  cities  and  towns  of  this  great 
valley. 

Lead  is  the  most  abundant  of  all  the  minerals  found  in  the 
Western  States,  the  mines  of  Illinois  and  Missouri  being 


120  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND   BOOK. 

the  richest  in  the  world.  Bituminous  coal  is  found  in  many 
places.  Numerous  salt  springs  are  found,  and  no  part  of  the 
Mississippi  Valley  is  distant  from  an  abundant  supply  of 
salt. 

In  most  of  these  states  the  cause  of  education  is  amply 
patronized.  The  number  of  common  schools  is  rapidly  in- 
creasing, academies  and  colleges  are  springing  up  in  all  parts 
of  this  vast  country,  and  the  zeal  with  which  all  these  insti- 
tutions are  supported,  seems  to  warrant  the  assurance  that  the 
time  is  not  far  in  the  future,  when  intelligence  will  crown  the 
people  as  fertility  has  the  soil. 

These  States  are  again  remarkable  for  the  numerous  re- 
mains of  antiquity  in  which  they  abound.  These  consist  of 
ruined  fortifications,  mounds  of  earth,  walls,  hearths,  &c. 
These  numerous  vestiges  lead  to  the  inference,  that  nations 
much  more  civilized  than  the  Indians,  have  at  a  remote  pe- 
riod occupied  this  vast  continent.  The  large  trees  growing 
upon  the  ruins  of  some  of  these  fortifications  establishes  the 
belief  that  a  considerable  period  has  elapsed,  perhaps  1000 
years,  since  the  desertion  of  these  fabrics  and  the  extinction 
of  the  people  by  whom  they  were  constructed.  They  are 
found  near  each  other,  and  spread  over  the  vast  territory  from 
the  shores  of  lake  Erie  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  and  are  usually 
met  with  in  the  vicinity  of  the  large  rivers.  A  regularity 
seems  to  be  discernible  in  their  erection,  and  suggests  the 
opinion  of  the  existence  in  remote  times  of  large  cities  along 
the  Mississippi.  The  mummies  or  dried  bodies,  enveloped 
in  coarse  cloth  and  found  in  some  of  the  caves  of  Kentucky, 
likewise  corroborate  the  belief  of  the  existence  in  ancient 
times  of  partially  civilized  races  upon  the  American  continent, 
which  are  long  since  extinct. 

ARKANSAS. 

Area  52,000  square  miles.  Population  435,000.  Slaves 
111,100. 

Arkansas  is  an  important  agricultural  State,  was  originally  a 
portion  of  the  territory  acquired  from  France  in  1803,  and 
was  admitted  as  a  State  of  the  American  Confederacy  in 
1836.  It  is  bounded  north  by  Missouri,  east  by  Tennessee 
and  Mississippi,  south  by  Louisiana,  and  west  by  Texas 
and  the  Indian  Territory,  and  it  contains  54  counties. 


UNITED  STATES.  121 

Surface,  fyc. — The  eastern  part  is  low,  level,  marshy  and 
subject  to  inundation.  The  interior  and  western  parts  are  more 
hilly,  and  alternated  with  forests  and  prairies.  The  Ozark 
mountains  commence  near  the  centre  of  the  State,  and  run 
northwest  beyond  it,  but  do  not  attain  an  elevation  of  over 
2,000  feet.  South  of  the  Arkansas  is  the  Masserne  range  of 
mountains  which  are  very  barren. 

Rivers. — On  the  eastern  border  flows  the  Mississippi  and 
receives  from  the  northwest  the  Arkansas,  the  White,  and  the 
St.  Francis  rivers  as  affluents.  The  Red  river  and  its  tributary 
the  Washita,  flows  through  the  southern  part. 

Climate. — The  climate  is  usually  temperate,  but  exposed 
to  sudden  changes  occasioned  by  the  north  winds.  It  is  quite 
humid  for  a  considerable  distance  from  the  Mississippi,  but 
dry  in  the  western  parts. 

Products. — The  principal  products  are  cotton,  wheat,  corn, 
rice,  tobacco,  sweet  potatoes,  melons,  peaches  and  grapes.  Of 
minerals,  coal  is  found  in  great  abundance  on  both  sides  of 
the  Arkansas  river.  Iron  ore,  lead,  and  manganese  are  mined 
here.  More  zinc  is  obtained  in  this  than  any  other  State  of 
the  Union,  except  New  Jersey.  Abundance  of  wild  animals 
are  yet  found. 

Manufactures. — Manufacturing  can  scarcely  be  said  in 
this  State,  to  have  had  a  commencement,  as  the  cultivation 
of  the  soil  and  the  growing  of  the  cereal  products  have  hitherto, 
as  in  Texas,  much  more  profitably  employed  the  labor  and 
attention  of  her  people.  Of  the  few  manufactures  of  Arkan- 
sas, those  of  cotton  and  leather  are  the  principal. 

Education. — The  public  mind  in  this  State,  has  not  become 
sensible  of  the  defects  of  her  system  of  common  school  edu- 
cation, and  although  ample  means  would  seem  to  be  at  hand 
for  the  support  of  her  system,  such  as  it  is,  yet  the  people  have 
thus  far  manifested  almost  a  total  indifference  to  the  results 
to  be  obtained  from  a  general  diffusion  of  knowledge.  This 
apathy  on  the  part  of  her  people  has  been  suggested  by  some 
of  her  officials  as  the  reason  why  a  more  thorough  system 
has  never  been  inaugurated. 

Government. — The  executive  power  is  vested  in  a  Gover- 
nor who  is  elected  for  four  years,  but  is  ineligible  for  more 
than  eight  years  out  of  twelve.  The  Legislature  is  composed 
of  a  Senate  of  25  members  chosen  for  four  years,  and  of  a 

a 


122  GEOGRAPHICAL   HAND  BOOK. 

House  of  Representatives  elected  biennially.  The  sessions  of 
the  Legislature  are  biennial,  and  commence  on  the  first  Mon- 
day of  November. 

Curiosities. — The  most  noted  curiosities  are  the  Hot  Springs, 
about  fifty  miles  west  of  Little  Rock,  which  are  greatly  visited 
by  the  curious  and  persons  of  infirm  health.  The  water  of 
some  of  these  is  sufficiently  hot  to  boil  an  egg  in  fifteen  min- 
utes. In  Pike  county,  a  very  curious  natural  bridge  is  found, 
and  near  by  a  mountain  of  alabaster. 

COUNTIES. 

1.  Arkansas.  19.  Hempstead.  37.  Pike. 

2.  Ashley.  20.  Hot  Springs.  38.  Poinsett. 

3.  Benton.  21.  Independence.  39.  Polk. 
4-  Bradley.  22.  Izard.  40.  Pope. 

5.  Calhoun.  23.  Jackson.  41.  Prairie. 

6.  Carroll.  24.  Jefferson.  42.  Pulaski. 

7.  Cliicot.  25.  Johnson.  43.  Randolph. 

8.  Clark.  26.  Lafayette.  44.  Saline. 

9.  Columbia.  27.  Lawrence.  45.  Scott. 

10.  Conway.  28.  Madison.  46.  Searcy. 

11.  Crawford.  29.  Marion.  47.  Sebastian. 

12.  Crittenden.  30.  Mississippi.  48.  Sevier. 

13.  Dallas.  31.  Monroe.  49.  St.   Francis. 

14.  Desha.  32.  Montgomery.  50.  Union. 

15.  Drew.  33.  Newton.  51.  Van  Buren. 

16.  Franklin.  34.  Ouachita.  52.  Washington. 

17.  Fulton.  35.  Perry.  53.  White. 

18.  Greene.  36.  Phillips.  54.  Yell.    . 

LITTLE  ROCK,  the  capital,  is  situated  on  the  southern  bank 
of  the  Arkansas  river,  300  miles  from  its  mouth.  The  growth 
of  this  place  has  been  greatly  retarded  by  the  title  to  the  soil 
of  the  town  having  until  recently  been  in  constant  litigation. 
Another  obstacle  to  the  growth  of  this  place  is  found  in  the 
fact  that  the  Arkansas  river  is  not  navigable  at  all  seasons. 
The  capitol  is  a  handsome  edifice  built  of  brick  and  stuccoed, 
and  it  occupies  a  commanding  position  upon  the  banks  of 
the  river.  A  United  States  arsenal  is  erected  here.  Many 
of  the  private  buildings  of  this  city  are  quite  elegant,  and  the 
wide  streets,  spacious  grounds,  gardens,  and  the  profusion  of 
shade  trees,  give  it  during  summer,  a  pleasant  and  picturesque 
appearance.  Population  5,000. 

ARKANSAS  POST,  situated  on  the  left  bank  of  the  Arkansas 
river,  fifty  miles  from  its  mouth,  is  noted  as  the  oldest  town 
in  the  State.  It  was  settled  by  the  French  in  1 685. 

VAN  BUREN,  on  the  left  bank  of  the  Arkansas,  with  2,500 


UNITED    STATES.  123 

inhabitants,  and  FORT  SMITH,  with  2,000,  on  the  opposite  side, 
are  thriving  towns. 

The  other  principal  towns  are  BATESVILLE,  on  White  river, 
HELENA,  on  the  Mississippi,  and  FULTON,  on  Red  river. 

COUNTY  CAPITALS. 

1.  Arkansas  Post.  2.  Hamburg.  3.  Bentonville.  4.  Warren.  5. 
Hampton.  0.  Carrollton.  7.  Columbia.  8.  Arkadelpliia.  9.  Calhoun. 
10.  Lewisburg.  11.  Van  Buren.  12.  Marion.  13.  Princeton.  14.  Napo- 
leon. 15.  Monticello.  16.  Ozark.  17.  Salem.  18.  Gainesville.  19. 
Washington.  20.  Rockport.  21.  Batesville.  22.  Mount  Olive.  23.  Eliza- 
beth. 24.  Pine  Bluff.  25.  Clarksville.  20.  Lewisville.  27.  Smitlivillc. 
28.  Huntsville.  29.  Yellville.  30.  Osceola.  31.  Lawrenceville.  32.  Mt. 
Ida.  33.  Jasper.  34.  Camden.  35.  Perryville.  3d.  Helena.  37.  Mur- 
freesborough.  38.  Bolivar.  39.  Dallas.  40.  Dover.  41.  Brownsville. 
42.  LITTLE  ROCK.  43.  Pocahontas.  44.  Benton.  45.  Booneville.  46. 
Lebanon.  47.  Jenny  Lind.  48.  Paraclifta.  49.  Mount  Vernon.  50.  El 
Dorado.  51.  Clinton.  52.  Fayetteville.  53.  Searcy.  54.  Danville. 

KENTUCKY. 

Area  38,000  square  miles.  Population  1,155,000.  Slaves 
225,490. 

Kentucky  (the  dark  and  bloody  ground,)  owes  her  name 
to  the  sanguinary  conflicts  she  has  witnessed.  The  territory 
of  Kentucky  belonged  originally  to  Virginia  until  her  admis- 
sion into  the  Union  in  1792.  This  State  was  first  settled  by 
the  celebrated  Daniel  Boone,  in  1769,  and  numerous  encoun- 
ters took  place  between  the  early  white  settlers  and  the  red 
men  of  the  forest,  the  most  noted  of  which  is  that  of  the  19th 
of  August,  1782,  in  which  Boone  bore  a  conspicuous  part  and 
lost  a  son  and  brother.  It  is  bounded  north  by  Illinois,  In- 
diana, and  Ohio,  east  by  Virginia,  south  by  Tennessee,  and 
west  by  Missouri,  and  it  is  divided  into  103  counties. 

Surface,  fyc. — The  Cumberland  mountains  lie  on  the  south- 
eastern boundary,  and  several  of  the  outlying  spurs  traverse 
the  eastern  counties,  but  none  of  them  have  a  great  elevation. 
Kentucky  presents,  with  the  foregoing  exception,  an  undula- 
ting and  diversified  surface,  and  its  soil  rivals  in  richness 
and  fertility  the  most  favored  portions  of  the  Mississippi 
Valley. 

Rivers. — The  whole  northern  border  is  washed  by  the  Ohio. 
The  Cumberland  and  Tennessee  rivers  flow  through  the 
western  part  into  the  Ohio.  The  Green,  the  Salt,  the  Ken- 
tucky, and  the  Licking  rivers,  flow  north  into  the  Ohio.  The 
Big  Sandy  forms  part  of  the  eastern  boundary  with  Virginia. 


124  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND   BOOK. 

Climate. — There  seems  to  be  a  delightful  medium  between 
the  severity  of  the  North,  and  the  enervating  heat  of  the  South. 
Winter  begins  late  in  December  and  continues  only  two  or  three 
months,  and  spring  and  autumn  are  mild.  The  atmosphere 
is  milder  than  in  the  same  latitude  on  the  Atlantic  side  of  the 
AUeghanies,  yet  subject  to  sudden  changes. 

Products. — The  staples  of  the  State  are  corn,  tobacco,  flax, 
and  hemp.  It  is  next  to  Virginia  in  the  amount  of  tobacco 
gr jwn,  and  great  quantities  of  wheat,  rye,  oats,  wool,  peas, 
beans,  potatoes,  barley,  butter,  rice,  cotton,  and  sugar  are  also 
produced.  Apples,  pears,  peaches,  and  plums  flourish.  At  its 
settlement  Kentucky  wasjoneof  the  best  wooded  of  all  the  west- 
ern states,  and  its  forests  are  yet  filled  with  the  finest  timber. 

Manufactures. — Kentucky  is  not  yet  extensively  engaged 
in  manufactures,  but  she  nevertheless  has  a  considerable 
amount  of  capital  invested  in  this  branch  of  industry.  The 
chief  articles  of  manufacture  in  this  State  are  coarse  bagging 
and  hemp  cordage,  both  of  which  are  largely  exported. 

Education. — Liberal  provisions  have  been  made  in  this 
State  for  the  cause  of  general  education,  and  her  people  seem 
fully  cognizant  of  the  advantages  to  be  derived  therefrom.  A 
large  amount  of  money  is  annually  expended  for  the  support 
of  her  school  system.  In  the  number  and  character  of  her 
colleges,  she  also  holds  a  prominent  rank.  They  are ;  Tran- 
sylvania College,  at  Lexington,  founded  in  1798  ;  St.  Joseph's 
College,  at  Bardstown,  founded  in  1819  ;  Centre  College,  at 
Danville,  founded  in  1823  ;  Georgetown  College,  at  George- 
town, founded  in  1840  ;  Kentucky  Military  Institute,  at  Frank- 
lin Springs,  founded  in  1849;  and  Paducah  College,  at  Pa- 
ducah,  founded  in  1852. 

Curiosities. — No  Western  State  probably  presents  so  great 
a  variety  ol  attractions  for  the  curious  as  Kentucky,  and 
prominent  among  these  is  the  celebrated  Mammoth  Cave,  in 
Edmondson  county,  which  surpasses  all  other  subterranean 
caverns  of  the  globe.  This  cave  has  been  explored  for  a  dis- 
tance of  ten  miles,  and  in  the  magnitude  and  variety  of  its 
chambers  and  halls,  as  also  in  the  number  of  its  interesting 
objects,  it  has  no  equal.  The  singular  depressions  in  the  earth 
called  "  Sink  Holes,"  the  Devil's  pulpit,  in  Jessamine  county, 
and  Dismal  Rock,  in  Edmondson  county,  besides  numerous 
other  objects,  are  all  interesting  to  the  a  iii.irer  of  nature. 

Government. — The  Governor  is  elected  for  four  years.   The 


UNITED    STATES. 


125 


Senate  is  composed  of  38,  and  the  House  of  Representatives 
of  100  members,  the  former  elected  for  four,  and  the  latter 
for  two  years. 


COUNTIES. 

1.  Allen.  36.  Greene.  70.  Marion, 

2.  Anderson.  37.  Gallatin.  71.  Mason. 

3.  Adair.  38.  Grayson.  72.  McCracken. 

4.  Ballard.  39.  Greenup.  73.  McLean. 

5.  Boone.  40.  Graves.  74.  Morgan. 
C.  Boyle.  41.  Grant.  75.  Mercer. 

7.  Breckinridge.  42.  Hancock.  76.  Montgomery. 

8.  Bath.  43.  Hardin,  77.  Nelson. 

9.  Barren.  44.  Harlan.  78.  Nicholas. 

10.  Bourbon.  45.  Harrison.  79.  Oldham. 

11.  Bracken.  40.  Henderson.  80.  Owen. 

12.  Butler.  47.  Hickman.  81.  Ohio. 

13.  Breathitt.  48.  Hopkins.  82.  Owsley. 

14.  Bullitt.  49.  Hart.  83.  Pike. 

15.  Cumberland.  50.  Henry.  84.  Pulaski. 

16.  Clarke.  51.  Jessamine.  85.  Powell. 

17.  Caldwell.  62.  Jefferson.  86.  Pendleton. 

18.  Campbell.  53.  Johnson.  87.  Perry. 

19.  Carroll.  54.  Kenton.  88.  Rock  Castle. 

20.  Christian.  55.  Knox.  89.  Russell. 

21.  Clinton.  50.  Lawrence.  90.  Simpson. 

22.  Crittenden.  57.  Laurel.  91.  Spencer. 

23.  Carter.  58.  Lincoln.  92.  Scott. 

24.  Galloway.  59.  Livingston.  93.  Shelby. 

25.  Casey.  60.  Logan.  91.  Todd. 

26.  Clay.  61.  Lyon.  05.  Triable. 

27.  Daviess.  62.  La  Rue.  96.  Trigg. 

28.  Estill.  63.  Letcher.  97.  Taylor. 

29.  Edmondson.  64.  Lewis.  98.  Union. 

30.  Floyd.  65.   Meade.  99.  Woodford. 

31.  Fayette.  66.  Monroe.  100.  Wayne. 

32.  Fleming.  67.  Muhlcnburg.  101.  Warren. 

33.  Franklin.  68.  Marshall.  102.  Washington. 

34.  Fulton.  69.  Madison.  103.  Whitby. 

35.  Garrarci. 

LOUISVILLE,  situated  at  the  head  of  the  falls  on  the  Ohio, 
is  the  largest  city  of  Kentucky,  and  one  of  the  most  impor- 
tant places  on  the  Ohio  river.  It  occupies  a  level  site  about 
seventy-five  feet  above  low  water  mark,  and  is  regularly  laid 
out  with  broad  and  ornamented  streets,  and  its  surrounding 
scenery  is  delightful.  The  streets  are  straight,  well  paved,  and 
cross  each  other  at  right  angles.  The  city  is  greatly  indebted 
for  its  prosperity  to  the  falls  of  the  Ohio,  which  arrests  navi- 
gation at  this  place,  but  this  has  been  remedied  by  means  of 
canals.  Louisville  is  a  commercial,  rather  than  a  manufac- 
turing city,  but  its  manufactures  are  likewise  extensive.  The 


126  GEOGRAPHICAL   HAND   BOOK. 

city  is  supplied  with  water  by  means  of  water  works.  Du- 
pont's  Artesian  well  is  one  of  the  deepest  in  the  woild,  having 
a  depth  of  2086  feet.  The  public  buildings  are  a  Court  House, 
County  Prison,  Custom  House,  City  Hall,  the  University,  two 
Marine  Asylums,  three  Orphan  Asylums,  a  House  of  Refuge, 
and  an  Institution  for  the  blind.  The  Court  House  is  a  mag- 
nificent edifice,  erected  at  a  cost  of  over  $1,000,000.  The 
tobacco  trade  of  this  city  is  immense.  Louisville  was  foun- 
dedin  177b,  and  was  named  in  honor  of  Louis  XVI,  of  France, 
whose  troops  were  at  that  time  aiding  the  cause  of  American 
independence.  Population  80,000. 

LEXINGTON,  built  upon  a  branch  of  the  Elkhorn  river,  in 
the  midst  of  a  very  fertile  region,  is  the  oldest  settled  town  in 
the  State.  It  is  handsomely  laid  out  with  streets  crossing 
each  other  at  right  angles,  and  ithas  been  noted  for  its  literary 
and  scientific  institutions.  At  the  west  end  of  Main  street  is 
a  beautiful  cemetery,  in  the  midst  of  which  a  handsome  mon- 
ument is  erected  to  the  honor  of  the  peerless  orator,  Henry 
Clay,  who  resided  a  mile  and  a  half  from  the  town.  Lexing- 
ton was  first  settled  in  1775,  and  while  the  settlers  were  lay- 
ing it  out  the  news  of  the  battle  of  Lexington  reached  them, 
and  they  immediately  named  it  after  the  first  battle  of  the 
Revolution.  Population  10,000. 

FRANKFORT,  the  capital,  stands  upon  the  Kentucky  river, 
sixty  miles  from  its  mouth.  It  is  a  handsome  and  well  built 
city,  and  its  environs  are  distinguished  for  their  picturesque 
scenery.  It  contains  the  State  House  and  the  Penitentiary, 
and  is  the  centre  of  an  active  trade.  On  a  hill  overlooking 
the  city  is  a  cemetery  in  which  the  remains  of  Daniel  Boone, 
the  pioneer  settler  of  .Kentucky,  are  interred.  Population  8,000. 

NEWPORT,  on  the  Ohio  river  opposite  Cincinnati,  and  above 
the  mouth  of  the  Licking  river,  is  a  very  handsome  town, 
containing  the  residences  of  many  wealthy  retired  busi- 
ness men.  Population  10,000. 

COVINGTON,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Licking  river,  and  oppo- 
site Cincinnati  and  Newport,  is  a  handsome  town,  resem- 
bling the  "  Queen  City"  in  appearance,  of  which  it,  as  well 
as  Newport,  may  be  considered  a  suburb.  Population  16,000. 

MAYSVILLE,  on  the  Ohio  river,  sixty  miles  above  Cincinnati, 
occupies  an  elevated  and  delightful  situation.  It  is  compactly 
built,  and  is  the  greatest  hemp  market  in  the  United  States, 
Population  10,000. 


UNITED    STATES.  12t 

PADUCAH,  on  the  Ohio  river,  below  the  mouth  of  the  Tennessee,  is  a  consid- 
erable shipping  port,  with  7,000  inhabitants. 

BOWLING  GREEN,  on  an  affluent  of  Green  river,  is  a  place  of  active  trade. 

HARRODSBURG,  near  the  center  of  the  State,  is  celebrated  for  its  mineral 
springs. 

COUNTY  CAPITALS. 

1.  Scottville.  2.  Lawrenceburg.  3.  Columbia.  4.  Blandville.  5.  Bur- 
lington. 6.  Danville.  7.  Hardinsburg.  8.  Owingsville.  9.  Glasgow.  10. 
Paris.  11.  Brookville.  12.  Morgantown.  13.  Jackson.  14.  Shepherds- 
ville.  15.  Burkesville.  10.  Winchester.  17.  Princeton.  18.  Alexandria. 
19.  Carrollton.  20.  Hopkinsville.  21.  Albany.  22.  Marion.  23.  Grayson. 
24.  Murray.  25.  Liberty.  26.  Manchester,  27.  Owenboro'.  28.  Irvine. 
29.  Brownsville.  30.  Prestonburg.  31.  Lexington.  32.  Flemingsburg. 
33.  FRANKFORT.  34.  Hickman.  35.  Lancaster.  36.  Greensburg.  37.  War- 
saw. 38.  Litchfield.  39.  Greenupsburg.  40.  Mayfield.  41.  Williamstown. 
42.  Hawesville.  43.  Elizabethtown.  44.  Mt.  Pleasant.  45.  Cynthiana. 
46.  Henderson.  47.  Clinton.  48.  Madisonville.  49.  Munfordsville.  50. 
Newcastle.  51.  Nicholasville.  52.  Louisville.  53.  Paintville.  54.  Inde- 
pendence. 55.  Barboursville.  50.  Louisa.  57.  London.  58.  Stanford.  59. 
Southland.  GO.  Russellville.  61.  Eddyville.  62.  Hodginville.  63' 
Whitesburg.  64.  Clarksburg.  65.  Brandenburg.  66.  Tompkinsville.  67. 
Greenville.  68.  Benton.  69.  Richmond.  70.  Lebanon.  71.  Maysville. 
72.  Paducah.  73.  Ramsey.  74.  West  Liberty.  75.  Harrodsburg.  76. 
Mt.  Sterling.  77.  Bardstown.  78.  Carlisle.  79.  La  Grange.  80.  Owen- 
ton.  81.  Hartford.  82.  Booneville.  83.  Pikeville.  84.  Somerset.  85. 

...  86.  Falmouth.  87.  Hazard.  88.  Mt.  Vernon.  89.  Jamestown. 
PO.  Franklin.  91.  Taylorsville.  92.  Georgetown.  93.  Shelby ville.  94. 
Elkton.  95.  Bedford.  96.  Cadiz.  97.  Campbellsville.  98.  Morganfield. 
99.  Versailles.  100.  Monticello.  101.  Bowling  Green.  102.  Springfield. 
103.  Williamsburg. 

TENNESSEE. 

Area  45,000  square  miles.  Population  1,110,000.  Slaves 
275,700. 

Tennessee  is  the  oldest  of  the  Western  States,  the  first  set- 
tlement having  been  made  within  it  between  the  years  1765 
and  1770.  It  was  settled  principally  by  people  from  Virginia 
and  North  Carolina,  and  was  originally  included  within  the 
limits  of  the  latter,  but  became  an  independent  State  by  its 
admission  into  the  Union  in  1796.  This  State  gave  to  the 
Republic  two  Presidents,  the  celebrated  Andrew  Jackson  and 
James  K.  Polk.  It  is  bounded  north  by  Kentucky  and  Vir- 
ginia, east  by  North  Carolina,  south  by  Georgia,  Alabama, 
and  Mississippi,  and  west  by  Arkansas,  and  Missouri,  and  it 
contains  84  counties. 

Surface,  fyc. — The  surface  of  this  State  is  agreably  diversified 
with  mountains,  hills  and  valleys,  and  includes  within  its  limits 


128  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND-BOOK. 

a  fertile  soil.  The  eastern  part  is  traversed  by  different  ridges 
of  theAlleghany  and  Cumberland  mountains,  the  latter  being 
an  outlying  ridge  of  the  former  which  -enters  the  State  from 
Kenuckyand  extends  into  Alabama.  The  soil  of  the  eastern 
partis  generally  thin,  while  that  of  the  central  and  western 
parts  is  fertile. 

Rivers. — The  western  part  of  the  State  is  washed  by  the 
Mississippi.  The  Tennessee  rises  in  the  Alleghany  moun- 
tains, crosses  the  State  twice  and  after  a  course  of  near  1200 
miles  empties  into  the  Ohio.  Its  principal  affluents  are 
the  Holston  and  Clinch,  which  rise  in  Virginia,  and  the 
French,  the  Broad,  and  Hiwassee,  rising  in  North  Carolina. 
The  Cumberland  river  rises  in  Kentucky,  and  flows  through 
Tennessee  and  Kentucky,  into  the  Ohio. 

Climate. — The  climate  is  delightful  and  milder  than  in 
Kentucky.  It  is  free  from  the  intense  heat  of  the  Gulf  States. 
Snow  sometimes  falls  to  a  considerable  depth,but  never  lies  long. 

Products. — The  staples  are  cotton,  tobacco,  corn,  wheat, 
and  hemp,  and  in  general  the  products  are  similar  to  those  of 
Virginia  and  Kentucky.  Eastern  Tennessee  is  well  adapted 
to  the  grazing  of  cattle,  and  the  raising  of  hogs  is  an  object 
of  great  attention  throughout  the  whole  State. 

Minerals. — The  State  abounds  in  minerals.  A  large  part 
of  it  is  bedded  on  limestone.  Gold,  gypsum,  copperas,  alum, 
nitre,  and  lead  have  been  found.  Coal  is  mined  among  the 
Cumberland  mountains,  and  mineral  and  salt  springs  are  not 
rare. 

Manufactures. — Tennessee,  especially  the  eastern  section,  is 
so  abundantly  supplied  with  water  power,  coal  and  other  fuel, 
that  she  seems  destined  to  become  a  great  manufacturing 
State.  Her  manufactures  although  not  extensive,  comprise 
those  of  cotton,  iron  and  liquors.  She  manufactures  a  large 
quantity  of  home  made  goods. 

Education. — Tennessee  being  originally  settled  by  citizens 
from  North  Carolina  and  Virginia,  participates  with  those 
States  in  their  indifference  for  universal  education  ;  but  like 
them,  she  is  also  able  to  boast  of  her  numerous  colleges  and 
institutions  of  learning  for  the  training  of  the  elite  of  society. 
Here  we  find  the  following  institutions :  the  University  of 
Nashville,  at  the  State  Capital,  founded  in  1806  ;  Franklin 
College,  near  Nashville,  founded  in  1844;  the  East  Tennessee 
College,  at  Knoxville,  founded  in  1806  ;  the  Cumberland  Uni- 


UNITED   STATES. 


129 


versity,  at  Lebanon,  founded  in  1844;  Jackson  College,  at 
Columbia,  founded  in  1833 ;  Union  College,  at  Murfreesbo- 
rough,  founded  in  1848  ;  Greenville  College,  at  Greenville, 
founded  in  1796. 

Curiosities. — In  the  Cumberland  mountains  numerous 
caves  exist,  one  of  which  has  been  explored  to  the  depth  of 
400  feet.  Big  Bone  Cave,  with  the  bones  of  the  Mastodon, 
and  the  Fort,  in  Coffee  county,  upon  the  walls  of  which  trees 
are  growing  believed  to  be  500  years  old,  are  objects  of  con- 
siderable curiosity.  In  some  places  the  tracks  of  men,  horses, 
and  other  animals  are  visible  in  the  solid  rock,  and  as  distinct 
as  if  made  in  clay.  The  human  tracks  have  uniformly  six 
toes.  The  manifold  curiosities  of  this  State  would  fill  a  volume. 

Government. — The  Governor  is  elected  by  popular  suffrage 
for  two  years.  The  Senate,  composed  of  25  members,  and  the 
House  of  Representatives  of  75,  are  elected  each  for  two  years. 
The  Legislature  meets  biennially  at  Nashville,  on  the  first 
Monday  of  October. 


1.  Anderson. 

2.  Bedford. 
3    Bledsoe. 

4.  Benton. 

5.  Blount. 
0.   Bradley. 

7.  Cheatham. 

8.  Claiborne. 

9.  Cocke. 

10.  Coffee. 

11.  Campbell. 

12.  Ca.roll. 

13.  Cannon. 

14.  Carter. 

15.  Cumberland. 
10.  De  Kalb. 

17.  Davidson. 

18.  Dickson. 
IP.  Decatur. 

20.  Dyer. 

21.  Fayette. 

22.  Franklin. 
2:5.   Fentress. 
24.  Greene. 
IT).    (!il)siiu. 
2(5.   Granger. 
27.  Giles. 
2N.   Gruti.Iy. 


COUNTIES. 

29.  Haywood. 

30.  Hancock. 

31.  Hamilton. 

32.  Hardeman. 

33.  Hardin. 

34.  Henderson. 
3-'>.  Ilickman. 

36.  Hawkins. 

37.  Humphreys. 

38.  Henry. 

39.  Jackson. 

40.  Jefferson. 

41.  Johnson. 

42.  Knox. 

43.  Lauderdale. 

44.  Lawrence. 
4").  Lincoln. 

46.  Lewis. 

47.  Monroe. 

48.  Marshall. 

49.  Macon. 

50.  Madison. 

51.  Marion. 

52.  Morgan. 
63.  McMinn. 
51.  Meigs. 
55.  Maury. 

nct  \ 


57.  McNairy, 

68.  Obion. 

59.  Overtor. 

60.  Polk. 

61.  Putnam. 

02.  Perry. 

03.  Rhea. 

04.  Rutherford. 

65.  Roane. 

66.  Robertson. 

67.  Smith. 

68.  Sullivan. 

69.  Sevier. 

70.  Sumner. 

71.  Scott, 

72.  Sequatchic. 

73.  Stewart. 

74.  Shelby. 

75.  Tipton. 
7fi.  Union. 

77.  Van  Buren. 

7S.  Wayne. 

79.  White. 

SO.  Warren. 

81.  Washington. 

82.  Williamson. 

83.  Wilson. 

84.  Weakely. 

Q* 


130  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

*NASHVILLE,  the  capital,  situated  on  the  south  bank  of  the 
Cumberland  river,  is  a  handsome  and  wealthy  city  and  the  seat 
of  the  State  government.  Many  of  its  private  residences  exhibit 
a  palatial  magnitude  and  grandeur,  and  its  public  edifices  are 
built  with  corresponding  magnificence.  The  State  House, 
standing  upon  an  eminence,  is  one  of  the  most  grand,  superb, 
and  costly  structures  in  America.  It  is  built  of  limestone, 
three  stories  high,  238  feet  by  138,  audits  cost  was  over  $1,000,- 
000  ;  and  it  is  regarded  as  the  handsomest  State  capitol  in  the 
Avhole  Union.  Among  the  other  prominent  public  buildings 
may  be  mentioned  the  Jail,  the  Penitentiary,  Theatre,  City 
Hospital,  and  University.  The  city  contains  numerous  large 
libraries,  that  of  the  State  having  over  40,000  volumes.  The 
inhabitants  are  distinguished  for  their  enterprising  spirit,  lite- 
rary taste,  and  polished  manners.  Many  fine  hotels  have  been 
erected  here.  It  is  the  center  of  an  active  trade,  and  the  seat 
of  various  kinds  of  manufactures.  Book  publishing  is  car- 
ried on  more  extensively  here  than  in  any  other  western  town. 
The  leading  business  of  the  city  is  in  dry  goods,  hardware, 
drugs,  and  groceries.  The  vicinity  is  a  famous  stock-growing 
country.  '  Seven  miles  from  Nashville  is  the  State  Lunatic 
Asylum,  and  twelve  miles  east  is  the  Hermitage,  the  lamed 
residence  of  Andrew  Jackson.  Population  17,000. 

MEMPHIS,  built  upon  a  bluff  of  the  Mississippi  at  the  mouth 
of  Wolf  river,  is  the  largest  city  of  Tennessee,  and  is  adorned 
with  many  elegant  private  residences.  It  is  a  very  rapidly 
growing  place,  and  occupies  an  eligible  position  for  a  com- 
mercial depot.  Memphis  is  the  most  important  point  between 
St.  Louis  and  New  Orleans,  and  it  carries  on  an  immense  bus- 
iness, especially  in  cotton.  It  contains  an  oil  factory,  a  car 
factory,  a  steam  boiler  factory,  and  several  iron  founderies, 
It  was  laid  out  in  1820  and  now  numbers  23,000  inhabr 
itants. 

CHATTANOOGA,  situated  on  the  Tennessee  river  in  Hamil- 
ton county  is  one  of  the  most  important  towns  in  the  State, 
and  the  shipping  port  for  an  extensive  region.  Seveial  rail- 
roads centre  at  this  place.  The  surrounding  county  is  well 
supplied  with  wood  and  water,  and  abounds  in  coal  and  iron. 

* About  ten  days  after  the  fall  of  Fort  Donelson,  on  the  Cumberland  river, 
and  the  capture  of  the  greater  portion  of  the  Confederate  army  at  that  point, 
on  the  1 6th  of  February,  1862,  the  United  States  forces  took  possession  of 
Nashville,  and  tho  national  flag  now  waves  over  the  capitol  of  Tennessee. 


UNITED    STATES.  131 

The  manufacture  of  iron  has  recently  been  commenced  here. 
Population  5,000. 

COLUMBIA  is  is  a  thriving  town  of  Maury  co.,  and  the  seat  of  Jackson 
College.  Here  James  K.  Polk  resided  previous  to  his  election  as  President 
of  the  United  States  in  1844.  Population  4,000. 

KNOXVILLE,  located  on  the  Holston  river,  twenty-two  miles 
above  its  junction  with  the  Tennessee,  is  the  principal  town 
of  Eastern  Tennessee,  and  the  seat  [of  the  State  Asylum  for 
the  Deaf  and  Dumb.  It  is  rapidly  growing  in  wealth  and 
commercial  importance.  This  was  the  capital  of  the  State 
until  the  seat  of  government  was  removed  to  Murfreesborough 
in  1817.  The  largest  glass  manufactory  in  the  United  States  is 
said  to  be  established  here.  It  was  settled  in  178 9,  and  was 
named  in  honor  of  Gen.  Henry  Knox,  Secretary  of  War  under 
President  Washington.  Population  8,000. 

JACKSON,  built  upon  Forked  Deer  river,  is  one  of  the  weal- 
thiest towns  in  the  western  part  of  the  State. 

MURFREESBOROUGH,  situated  thirty  miles  southeast  of  Nash- 
ville, in  the  centre  of  a  healthy  and  productive  region,  was 
the  seat  of  the  State  government  from  1817  until  1827.  It 
contains  several  educational  institutions,  and  3,000  inhabi- 
tants. 

COUNTY    CAPITALS. 

1.  Clinton.  2.  Shelbyville.  3.  Pikeville.  4.  Camden.  5.  Marysville.  6. 
Cleveland.  7.  ...  8.  Tazewell.  9.  Newport.  10.  Manchester.  11. 
Jacksboro'.  12.  Huntingdon.  13.  Woodbury.  14.  Elizabethtown.  15. 
...  16.  Smithville.  17.  NASHVILLE.  18.  Charlotte.  19.  Decaturville. 
20.  Dyersburg.  21.  Somerville.  22.  Winchester.  23.  Jamestown.  24. 
Greenville.  25.  Trenton.  26.  Rutledge.  27.  Pulaski.  28.  Altamonte. 
29.  Brownsville.  30.  Sneedsville.  31.  Harrison.  32.  Bolivar.  33.  Sa- 
vannah. 34.  Lexington.  35.  Centreville.  36.  Rcgersville.  37.  Waverly. 
38.  Paris.  39.  Gainesboro'.  40.  Dandridge.  41.  Taylorsville.  42.  Knox- 
ville.  43.  Ripley.  44.  Lawrenceburg.  45.  Fayetteville.  46.  Newburg. 
47.  Madisonville.  48.  L«wisburg.  49.  Lafayette.  50.  Jackson.  51.  Jas- 
per. 52.  Montgomery.  53.  Athens.  54.  Decatur.  55.  Columbia.  56. 
Clarksville.  57.  Purdy.  58.  Troy.  59.  Livingston.  60.  Benton.  61. 
Monticello.  62.  Linden.  G3.  Washington.  64.  Murfreesboro.  65.  Kings- 
ton. 66.  Springfield.  67.  Carthage.  68.  Blountsville.  69.  Sevierville. 
70.  Gallatin.  71.  Huntsville.  72.  ...  73.  Dover.  74.  Raleigh. 
75.  Covington.  76.  ...  77.  Spencer.  78.  Waynesboro'.  79.  Sparta. 
80.  McMinnville.  81.  Jonesboro'.  82,  Franklin.  83.  Lebanon.  84. 
Dresden. 

OHIO. 

Area  40,000  square  miles.     Population  2,340,000. 

Ohio  was  not  settled  until  some  time  after  the  American 


132  GEOGRAPHICAL   HAND    BOOK. 

Revolution,  when  a  company  of  New  Englanders  founded 
Marietta  in  1788.  The  same  year  a  settlement  was  be- 
gun near  Cincinnati,  since  which  time  the  growth  of  Ohio 
has  been  extremely  rapid.  The  State  has  grown  until  within 
a  little  over  half  a  century  she  has  become  from  a  wilderness 
almost  an  empire  in  herself,  and  surpasses  in  wealth  and  pop- 
u  lation  some  European  kingdoms.  She  was  admitted  into  the 
the  Union  in  1802,  and  now  ranks  as  the  third  State  of  the 
Confederacy.  Ohio  is  bounded  north  by  Michigan  and  Lake 
Erie,  east  by  Pennsylvania  and  Virginia,  south  by  Virginia  and 
Kentucky,  and  west  by  Indiana,  and  is  divided  into  88  counties. 

Surface,  fyc. — This  State  has  no  mountains  within  its  lim- 
its, and  but  few  elevations,  except  a  ridge  of  Highlands  north 
of  the  middle  of  the  State,  which  separates  the  rivers  flowing 
north  and  south.  The  State  is  generally  level,  and  exhibits 
a  soil  that  abundantly  rewards  the  labors  of  the  husbandman. 
The  highest  lands  are  the  most  wet  and  marshy,  and  the 
driest  soil  is  found  along  the  banks  of  the  rivers.  In  the  cen- 
tre and  northwest  are  some  prairie  grounds. 

Rivers. — The  Ohio,  from  which  river  the  State  derives  its 
name,  is  formed  by  the  junction  of  the  Alleghany  and  the 
Monongahela,and  forms  the  whole  southern  boundary.  The 
Muskingum,  the  Scioto,  the  Great  Miami,  and  the  Little 
Miami,  all  flow  south  into  the  Ohio.  The  Maumee  flows 
northeast  into  Lake  Erie,  and  the  Sandusky  and  Cuyahoga 
both  flow  north  into  the  same  lake. 

Climate. — The  air  is  in  general  some  degrees  colder  than 
m  the  same  latitude  upon  the  Atlantic  coast.  In  the  south- 
ern parts  the  climate  is  mild,  and  snow  seldom  lies  sufficiently 
long  to  make  good  sleighing;  but  in  the  north  the  snowfalls 
to  a  considerable  depth,  and  remains  upon  the  ground  several 
months.  The  summers  are  sometimes  hot,  but  the  climate  is 
usually  very  salubrious. 

Products.— Nature  here  seems  to  smile  upon  the  labors  of 
the  agriculturist,  and  to  lavish  upon  him  the  bounties  of  her 
rich  munificence.  The  deep  fertile  loam  of  Ohia,  produces 
the  most  astonishing  yield  of  com,  wheat,  rye,  barley,  oats, 
and  buckwheat.  In  the  amount  of  Indian  corn  raised,  she  is 
the  first  State  in  the  Union.  Ohio  is  also  regarded  as  the 
greatest  wool  growing  State.  The  raising  of  pork  has  like- 
wise become  a  great  branch  of  industry,  and  this  is  salted  in 
large  quantities,  and  exported  to  other  sections  of  the  country. 


UNITED    STATES.  133 

The  minerals  .of  this  State  are  not  abundant  but  she  possesses 
great  quantities  of  iron  and  coal. 

Manufactures.  —  Although  the  manufactures  of  Ohio  may 
almost  be  considered  as  in  their  infancy,  they  have  already 
attained  a  degree  of  advancement  which  is  characteristic  of 
the  State  and  people.  At  the  present  time  the  manufactures 
of  this  State  comprise  those  of  cotton,  iron,  leather,  wine,  malt 
and  other  spirituous  liquors. 

Education.  —  With  respect  to  the  great  cause  of  popular  ed- 
ucation, Ohio  may  now  be  viewed  as  one  of  the  leading 
States  of  the  American  Union.  The  most  liberal  provisions 
are  here  made  for  the  education  of  all  classes  ;  yet  the  ener- 
gies of  the  people  of  this  State,  have  not  alone  been  directed 
towards  the  spread  of  general  intelligence,  but  the  greatest 
zeal  has  likewise  been  manifested  in  the  establishment  of  high 
institutes  of  learning,  as  the  number  of  her  Universities  and 
Colleges  amply  testify.  Here  are  the  following  universities  : 
the  Ohio,  at  Athens,  the  Miami,  at  Oxford,  the  Ohio  Wesleyan, 
at  Delaware,  and  the  Urbanna,  at  Urbanna,  founded  respectively 
in  the  years  1804,  1824,  1842,  and  1850.  Of  Colleges,  she 
comprises  these,  the  names  of  which  are  appended:  Franklin 
College,  at  New  Athens,  founded  in  1824  ;  the  Western  Re- 
serve  College,  at  Hudson,  founded  in  1826  ;  Kenyon  College, 
at  Gambier,  founded  in  1826;  Denison  College,  at  Granville, 
founded  in  1832  ;  Marietta  College,  at  Marietta,  founded  in 
1835;  Oberlin  College,  at  Oberlin,  founded  in  1834;  the 
Wittenberg  College  at  Springfield,  founded  in  1845  ;  and  the 
Antioch  College,  at  Yellow  Springs,  founded  in  1853. 

Curiosities.  —  With  the  exception  of  her  mounds  and  an- 
cient fortifications  near  Marietta  and  Circleville,  and  in  War- 
ren and  Ross  counties,  supposed  to  be  the  evidences  of  the 
advanced  civilization  of  extinct  races,  Ohio  contains  no  ob- 
jects of  great  attraction  for  the  curious  explorer. 

Government.  —  The  Governor  and  Lieutenant  Governor,  are 
elected  for  two  years  each,  the  latter  being  ex  officio  President 
of  the  Senate.  The  Senate  of  35,  and  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives of  100  members,  are  also  elected  for  two  years  by 
popular  vote. 

COUNTIES. 


1.  A<lams.  4.  Ashtalmla.  7. 

2.  Allen.  5.  Athens.  8.  Brown. 

3.  Ashland.  C.  Attglttize.  9.  Bailer. 


134 


GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND-BOOK. 


10.  Carroll.  37.  Hocking.  63.  Paulding. 

11.  Champaign.  38.  Holmes.  64.  Perry. 

12.  Clarke.  39.  Huron.  65.  Pickaway. 

13.  Clermont.  40.  Jackson.  66.  Pike. 

14.  Clinton.  41.:  Jefferson.  67.  Portage. 

15.  Columbiana.  42.  Knox.  68.  Preble. 

16.  Coshocton.  43.  Lake.  69.  Putnam. 

17.  Crawford.  44.  Lawrence.  .    70.  Richland. 

18.  Cuyahoga.  45.  Licking.  71.  Ross. 

19.  Darke.  46.  Logan.  72.  Sandusky. 

20.  Defiance.  47.  Lorain.  73.  Scioto. 

21.  Delaware.  48.  Lucas.  74.  Seneca. 

22.  Erie.  49.  Madison.  75.  Shelby. 

23.  Fairfield.  50.  Mahoning.  76.  Stark. 

24.  Fayette.  51.  Marion.  77.  Summit. 

25.  Franklin.  52.  Medina  78.  Trumbull. 

26.  Fulton.  53.  Meigs.  79.  Tuscarawas. 

27.  Gallia.  54.  Mercer.  80.  Union. 

28.  Geauga.  55.  Miami.  81.  Van  Wert. 

29.  Greene.  56.  Monroe.  82.  Vintou. 

30.  Guernsey.  57.  Montgomery.  83.  Warren. 

31.  Hamilton.  58.  Morgan.  84.  Washington. 

32.  Hancock.  59.  Morrow.  85.  Wayne. 

33.  Hardin.  60.  Muskingum.  86.  Williams. 

34.  Harrison,  61.  Noble.  87.  Wood. 

35.  Henry.  62.  Ottawa.  88.  Wyandotte. 

36.  Highland. 

CINCINNATI,  situated  on  the  right  bank  of  the  Ohio  river,  is 
the  great  commercial  emporium  of  the  State,  and  the  most 
populous  city  of  the  whole  west.  It  is  located  on  the  north 
half  of  a  natural  plateau  of  twelve  miles  in  circumference, 
which  is  bisected  by  the  Ohio  river,  and  its  site  is  peculiarly 
favorable  for  commerce,  comfort,  and  happiness.  It  is  laid 
out  on  the  plan  of  Philadelphia,  with  rectangular  streets,  en- 
closing blocks  of  convenient  size.  It  was  settled  in  December, 
1788,  and  its  growth  since  then  has  been  almost  unprece- 
dented, and  at  this  time  Cincinnati  ranks  as  one  of  the  leading 
cities  of  the  Union. 

This  city  owes  its  astonishing  growth  to  steamboat  navi- 
gation, which  as  early  as  1811,  inaugurated  a  new  mode  of 
communication  and  travel  upon  the  western  rivers.  Shortly 
after  that  event,  she  became  the  mart  of  a  vast  commerce  and 
the  centre  of  an  immense  transit.  Her  trade  at  the  present 
time  in  flour,  pork,  candles,  soap,  liquor,  and  manufactured 
articles,  is  immense  and  annually  increasing.  Among  the 
prominent  and  interesting  public  edifices  of  the  "Queen  City," 
may  be  noted  the  Cincinnati  College  building,  140  feet  long 
by  100  wide;  the  Roman  Catholic  Cathedral,  200  feet  long, 


UNITED    STATES.  135 

and  80  wide,  with  a  spire  250  feet  high ;  the  Episcopal  Church, 
at  the  corner  of  Seventh  and  Plum  streets ;  the  Presbyterian 
Church,  and  the  City  Hall.  Manufactures  are  found  to  be 
one  of  the  greatest,  if  not  the  greatest,  subjects  ot  interest  in 
Cincinnati.  The  chief  manufacturing  establishments  com- 
prise those  for  the  curing  of  meat,  the  manufacture  of  clothing, 
furniture,  and  iron.  This  western  city  is  not  alone  distin- 
guished for  her  extensive  commerce  and  manufactures,  but 
she  is  likewise  noted  for  her  literary  and  benevolent  institu- 
tions. Several  fine  public  libraries  are  here  established,  and 
her  schools  are  not  surpassed  by  any  in  the  whole  country. 
The  aspect  of  Cincinnati  is  rapidly  changing  in  the  erection 
of  new  large  and  handsome  buildings,  which  will  eventually 
transform  this  place  into  a  magnificent,  as  well  as  a  commer- 
cial city.  Population  165,000. 

COLUMBUS,  built  upon  the  banks  of  the  Scioto,  near  the 
centre  of  the  State,  is  the  capital,  and  one  of  the  most  flour- 
ishing cities  of  the  Ohio  valley.  It  became  the  seat  ot  Gov- 
ernment in  1812,  and  is  interesting  from  its  numerous  public 
buildings  and  State  institutions,  most  of  which  are  established 
in  this  city.  The  public  buildings  are  magnificent, for  size  and 
splendor  some  of  them  being  alone  surpassed  by  those  of  Wash- 
ington city.  The  most  conspicuous  edifices  are  the  Capitol, 
the  Penitentiary,  the  Lunatic  Asylum,  the  Deaf  and  Dumb 
Asylum,  and  the  Institution  for  the  Blind.  The  State 
House  is  built  in  the  ancient  Doric  order,  of  gray  limestone, 
304  feet  long,  and  184  wide,  and  it  exhibits  a  specimen  of 
architecture  rarely  surpassed.  Its  interior  is  elegantly  furnish- 
ed. The  Representative  Hall  is  84  feet  by  72  J,  and  that  of  the 
Senate  86  by  72J.  Columbus  is  the  seat  of  a  German  The- 
ological Seminary.  Population  20,000. 

CLEVELAND,  situated  at  the  mouth  of  the  Cuyahoga  river, 
on  the  southern  shore  of  Lake  Erie,  is  the  second  city  of 
Ohio  in  magnitude  and  commercial  importance.  It  is  laid 
out  with  broad,  well  paved  streets,  and  contains  numerous 
churches,  hotels  and  public  edifices.  It  was  laid  out  in  1796, 
and  named  in  honor  of  Gen.  Moses  Cleveland  of  Connecti- 
cut, and  its  growth  has  been  most  rapid  since  the  construc- 
tion of  railways.  It  carries  on  an  extensive  trade  with  Can- 
ada, especially  in  coal,  flour,  pork,  lead,  &c.  It  lies  upon 
the  route  of  probably  the  greatest  railroad  travel  in  the  whole 
Union,  Being  chiefly  settled  by  people  from  the  Eastern 


13  G  GEOGRAPHICAL   HAND   BOOK. 

States,  it  has  received  its  tone  and  cast  of  society  from  New 
England,  and  chiefly  from  Connecticut,  which  State  was  the 
original  proprietor  of  the  Western  Reserve.  It  has  a  fine 
harbor,  and  44,000  inhabitants. 

DAYTON,  built  on  the  Great  Miami,  below  the  the  mouth 
of  the  Mad  river,  is  in  proportion  to  its  size  one  of  the  great- 
est manufacturing  towns  in  the  west.  It  is  regularly  laid 
out  with  streets  one  hundred  feet  wide,  crossing  each  other 
at  right  angles.  Its  private  residences  are  generally  hand- 
some and  surrounded  by  fine  gardens.  Its  public  buildings 
display  a  grandeur  and  magnificence  rarely  met  with  in 
commercial  cities  of  such  rapid  growth.  The  Court  House, 
modeled  after  the  Parthenon,  is  a  splendid  edifice  of  white 
marble,  127  feet  long  by  62  wide.  Dayton  was  chartered  as 
a  city  in  1841.  Population  25,000. 

TOLEDO,  located  on  the  Maumee  river,  four  rniles  from  its 
mouth,  is  one  of  the  most  important  entrepots  of  the  com- 
merce of  the  great  lakes.  Its  trade  is  vast  and  constantly  in- 
creasing. Population  14,000. 

ZANESVILLE,  on  the  Muskingum  river,  eighty  miles  from 
its  mouth,  is  a  handsome  town  and  carries  on  a  considerable 
manufacturing  business.  This  was  the  seat  of  government 
from  1810  until  its  removal  to  Columbus.  Population 
9,000. 

SANDTJSKY,  situated  on  the  bay  of  its  own  name,  five  miles 
from  Lake  Erie,  is  a  handsome  city  and  has  a  large  and 
rapidly  increasing  commerce.  Population  8,000. 

CHILLICOTHE,  built  upon  the  Scioto,  forty-five  miles  south  of 
Columbus,  is  a  beautiful  town  and  the  centre  of  trade  for 
the  Scioto  valley,  one  of  the  most  populous  and  fertile  regions 
in  the  United  States.  Here  the  State  Convention  which 
framed  the  Constitution  of  Ohio,  assembled  in  1802,  and  this 
was  the  capital  until  1810.  Population  8,000. 

HAMILTON,  on  the  Miami  river,  twenty-five  miles  north  of  Cincinnati,  is 
a  flourishing  manufacturing  town  with  extensive  railroad  connections.  Pop- 
ulation 7,000. 

SPRINGFIELD,  in  Clarke  county,  on  Mad  river,  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful 
towns  of  the  State,  situated  in  the  midst  of  a  populous  and  highly  cultivated 
country.  The  famous  Indian  Chief  Tecumseh  was  born  five  miles  west  of 
this  place;  Population  7,000. 

PORTSMOUTH,  on  the  Ohio  river,  above  the  mouth  of  the  Scioto,  is  a  place 
of  considerable  trade.  Population  0,000. 

STEUBENVILLE,  on  the  Ohio,  thirty-five  miles  west  of  Pittsburg,  is  a  flour- 
ishing river  port.  Population  6,000. 


UNITED    STATES.  1ST 

MAIIIETTA,  on  the  Ohio  river,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Muskingum,  is  noted  as 
the  oldest  settled  town  in  the  State. 

COUNTY  CAPITALS. 

1.  West  Union.  2.  Lima.  3.  Ashland.  4.  Jefferson.  5.  Athens.  6. 
Wapahkonnetta.  7.  St.  Clairsville.  8.  Georgetown.  9.  Hamilton.  10. 
Carrolltonn.  11.  Urbanna.  12.  Springfield.  13.  Batavia.  14.  Wilming- 
ton. 15.  New  Lisbon.  16.  Coshocton.  17.  Bucyrus.  18.  Cleveland. 
19.  Greenville.  20.  Defiance.  21.  Delaware.  22.  Sandusky  City.  23. 
Lancaster.  24.  Washington.  25.  COLUMBUS.  26.  Dover.  27.  Gallipolis. 
28.  Chardon.  29.  Xenia.  30.  Cambridge.  31.  Cincinnati.  32.  Findlay. 
33.  Kenton.  34.  Cadiz.  35.  Napoleon.  36.  Hillsborough.  37.  Logan. 
38.  Millersburg.  39.  Norwalk.  40.  Jackson.  41.  Steubenville.  42.  Mt. 
Vernon.  43.  Painesville.  44.  Burlington.  45.  Newark.  46.  Bellefontainc. 
47.  Elyria.  48.  Maumee  City.  49.  London.  50.  Canfield.  51.  Marion.  52. 
Medina.  53.  Pomeroy.  54.  Celina.  55.  Troy.  56.  Woodsfield.  57. 
Dayton.  58.  McConnelsville.  59.  Mount  Gilead.  60.  Zanesville.  61. 
Sarahsville.  62.  Port  Clinton.  63.  Charloe.  64.  Somerset.  65.  Circle- 
ville.  66.  Piketon.  67.  Ravenna.  68.  Eaton.  69.  Kalida.  70.  Mans- 
field. 71.  Chillicothe.  72.  Fremont.  73.  Portsmouth.  74.  Tiffin.  75. 
Sidney.  76.  Canton.  77.  Akron.  78.  Warren.  79.  New  Philadelphia. 
80.  Marysville.  81.  Van  Wert.  82.  McArthurstown.  83.  Lebanon. 
8*.  Marietta.  85,  Wooster.  86.  Bryan.  87.  Perrysburg.  88.  Upper 
Sandusky. 

INDIANA. 

Area  34,000  square  miles.     Population  1,350,000. 

Indiana  is  the  smallest  of  the  Western  States.  It  was  first 
settled  by  the  French  at  Vincennes,  in  1702,  then  forming 
part  of  New  France,  and  afterwards  of  the  North  West  Terri- 
tory. Indiana  was  admitted  into  the  Union  in  1816,  arid  its 
growth  since  that  time  has  been  astonishingly  rapid,  and  its 
internal  improvements,  especially  in  railroads,  are  more  exten- 
sive than  in  most  states  of  the  Union.  It  is  bounded 
north  by  lake  Michigan  and  the  State  of  that  name,  east  by 
Ohio,  south  by  Kentucky,  and  west  by  Illinois,  and  it  contains 
92  counties. 

Surface,  $c. — The  general  aspect  of  this  State  is  level.  The 
southern  border  is  skirted  by  a  range  called  the  Ohio  hills, 
which  do  not  however  attain  a  height  of  over  300  feet.  North 
of  these  hills  lie  extensive  prairies,  too  vast  to  be  measured 
by  the  human  eye.  Many  of  these  contain  little  except 
grass,  but  oases  of  timber  dotted  over  these  natural  mead- 
ows are  also  in  many  places  met  with.  The  soil  of  these 
prairies  is  luxuriantly  fertile. 

Rivers.-^-The  Ohio  washes  this  State  on  the  south.  The 
Wabash,  500  miles  long,  rises  in  the  northeast  and  flows 


138  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

south  into  the  Ohio,  forming  part  of  the  boundary  with  Illi- 
nois. Its  principal  affluents  are  the  White  river  and  the 
Tippecanoe,  celebrated  for  the  battle  fought  with  the  Indians 
on  its  banks  in  1811.  In  the  north  rise  the  Kankakee  and 
the  Maumee  rivers.  : 

Climate.— The  climate  is  in  general  mild  and  agreeable. 
Snow  seldom  falls  in  the  southern  and  interior  parts  to  a 
greater  depth  than  six  inches,  but  in  the  northern  it  falls  some- 
times to  the  depth  of  eighteen  inches.  In  the  south  the  peach 
trees  blossom  early  in  March,  and  the  forests  shoot  forth  their 
leaves  in  the  beginning  of  April. 

Products. — The  vegetable  luxuriance  of  this  State  is  un- 
surpassed in  the  whole  Union,  especially  in  the  large  valley 
of  the  Wabash.  A  surprising  yield  of  corn,  wheat,  rye,  oats, 
and  barley  is  often  obtained  here  with  little  labor.  Great 
quantities  of  pork,  corn,  flour,  wheat  and  stock  are  exported 
down  the  Ohio  and  Mississippi.  In  the  vicinity  of  Vevay  on 
the  Ohio,  the  vine  is  considerably  cultivated  by  the  Swiss 
settlers,  and  much  wine  is  made. 

Manufactures. — Though  Indiana  has  not  yet  engaged 
largely  in  manufactures,  she  nevertheless  possesses  great 
facilities  for  their  establishment,  in  her  excellent  hydraulic 
power,  and  in  her  vast  coal  resources.  A  few  manufactories 
of  leather,  iron,  and  liquors,  are  the  principal  that  have  up  to 
this  time  been  established  in  this  State. 

Education. — An  admirable  system  of  common  school  edu- 
cation has  for  some  years  been  inaugurated  in  this  State,  and 
her  constant  efforts  for  the  diffusion  of  knowledge,  is  second  to 
none  in  the  whole  west,  the  results  of  which  are  already  observa- 
ble in  the  intelligence  of  her  people.  As  regards  her  chartered 
institutions,  the  following  comprise  the  principal:  the  Indiana 
State  University,  at  Bloomington,  founded  in  1830  ;  Hanover 
College,  at  South  Hanover,  founded  in  1832;  Wabash  Col- 
lege, at  Crawfordsville,  founded  in  1833,  and  the  Indiana  Ash- 
bury  University,  at  Greencastle,  founded  in  1837. 

Minerals. — The  minerals  of  coal,  iron,  limestone,  and  salt, 
abound,  and  Epsom  salts  have  been  found  in  a  cave  near 
Corydon  on  the  banks  of  the  Big  Blue  river. 

Government. — The  Governor  and  Lieutenant  Governor,  are 
elected  for  four  years  each.  The  members  of  the  Senate,  which 
amount  to  50,  are  chosen  for  four  years  each,  and  those  of 


UNITED    STATES. 


139 


the  House  of  Representatives,  100  in  number,  are  chosen  for 
two  years  each.     The  Legislature  meets  biennially. 


1.  Adams. 

2.  Allen. 

3.  Bartholomew. 

4.  Benton. 

5.  Blackford. 
G.  Boone. 

7.  Brown. 

8.  Carroll. 

9.  Cass. 

10.  Clark. 

11.  Clay. 

12.  Clinton. 

13.  Crawford. 

14.  Daviess. 

15.  Dearborn. 
1C.  Decatur. 

17.  De  Kalb. 

18.  Delaware. 

19.  Dubois. 

20.  Elkhart. 

21.  Fayette. 

22.  Floyd. 

23.  Fountain. 

24.  Franklin. 

25.  Fulton. 

26.  Gibson. 

27.  Grant. 

28.  Green. 

29.  Hamilton. 

30.  Hancock. 

31.  Harrison. 


COUNTIES. 

32.  Hendricks. 

33.  Henry. 

34.  Howard. 

35.  Huntington. 

36.  Jackson. 

37.  Jasper. 

38.  Jay. 

39.  Jeft'erson. 

40.  Jennings. 

41.  Johnson. 

42.  Knox. 

43.  Kosciusko. 

44.  La  Grange. 

45.  Lake. 

46.  Laporte. 

47.  Lawrence. 

48.  Madison. 
4'.'.  Marion. 

50.  Marshall. 

51.  Martin. 

52.  Miami. 

53.  Monroe. 

54.  Montgomery. 

55.  Morgan. 
50.  Newton. 

57.  Noble. 

58.  Ohio. 

59.  Orange. 

60.  Owen. 

61.  Parke. 

62.  Perry. 


G3.  Pike. 

64.  Porter. 

65.  Posey. 

66.  Pulaski. 

67.  Putnam. 
08.  Randolph. 
60.  llipley. 

70.  Rush. 

71.  St.  Joseph. 

72.  Scott, 

73.  Shelby. 

74.  Spencer. 

75.  Stark. 

76.  Steuben. 

77.  Sullivan. 

78.  Switzerland. 

79.  Tippecanoe. 

80.  Tipton. 

81.  Union. 

82.  Vanderburg. 
S3.  Vermillion. 

84.  Vigo. 

85.  Wabash. 

86.  Warren. 

87.  Warrick. 

88.  Washington. 

89.  Wayne. 

90.  Wells. 

91.  White. 

92.  Whitley. 


INDIANAPOLIS,  the  capital  of  Indiana,  is  situated  on  a  fork 
of  the  White  river,  near  the  centre  of  the  State.  It  is  one  of 
the  most  handsomely  laid  cut  cities  in  the  whole  country, 
having  streets  which  cross  each  other  at  right  angles,  and 
lour  long  avenues  radiating  from  a  central  square,  and  trav- 
ersing the  city  diagonally.  Washington  street  is  the  princi- 
pal thoroughfare,  with  a  breadth  of  120  feet.  Indianapolis 
is  the  focus  of  numerous  lines  of  railways  which  are  inactive 
operation.  The  principal  buildings  worthy  of  note  in  this 
city  are  the  Court  House,  County  Jail,  and  State  Capitol. 
The  State  House  is  a  fine  Doric  edifice,  180  feet  long  by  80 
wide,  with  a  colonnade  and  a  dome.  Here  the  State  Asylums 
for  the  blind,  deaf  and  dumb,  and  insane,  are  situated,  and  these 


140  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND-BOOK. 

^ 

are  air  handsome  buildings.  Several  large  public  squares 
adorn  this  city.  Indianapolis  became  the  seat  of  government 
in  1821.  Population  20,000. 

NEW  ALBANY,  situated  at  the  foot  of  the  Falls  upon  the 
Ohio,  is  one  of  the  principal  ports  on  the  river,  and  is  en- 
gaged in  a  flourishing  trade.  Steamboat  building  is  carried 
on  more  extensively  here  than  in  any  other  place  upon  the 
Ohio,  scarcely  excepting  the  "  Queen  City."  Manufactures 
of  iron,  brass,  bagging,  &c.,  are  likewise  established.  Popu- 
lation 13,000. 

EVANSVILLE,  built  upon  the  Ohio,  between  its  mouth  and 
New  Albany,  is  an  extensive  shipping  port.  It  is  the  principal 
grain  and  pork  depot  for  southwestern  Indiana,  and  the 
centre  of  several  railroads.  Population  12,000. 

FORT  WAYNE,  situated  at  the  conflux  of  the  two  rivers 
forming  the  Maumee,  is  a  flourishing  town  with  10,000  in- 
habitants. It  is  surrounded  by  a  rich  and  highly  productive 
country. 

LAFAYETTE,  on  the  Wabash  river,  sixty-six  miles  north- 
west of  the  capital,  is  one  of  the  most  thriving  towns  in  Indi- 
ana. It  is  extensively  engaged  in  pork  packing  and  is  an 
important  railroad  centre.  Population  10,000. 

TERRE  HAUTE,  situated  on  the  Wabash,  seventy-three 
miles  west  of  Indianapolis,  occupies  a  handsome  site  and  is 
one  of  the  most  important  towns  in  the  State.  Great  numbers 
of  hogs  are  annually  slaughtered  at  this  place  and  salted  for 
market.  It  likewise  carries  on  a  great  trade  in  flour  and 
grain.  Population  8,500. 

MADISON,  on  the  Ohio  river,  ninety-one  miles  below  Cincinnati,  is  a  place 
of  great  trade  and  manufactures.  Population  8,000. 

VINCENNES,  on  the  Wabash,  fifty-six  miles  north  of  Evansville,  is  noted  as 
the  oldest  settled  town  in  the  State. 

JEEFEKSONVILLE,  opposite  Louisville,  contains  the  State  Penitentiary. 

The  remaining  towns  of  some  importance  are  Richmond,  with  6,500  inhab- 
itants ;  Laporte,  5,000  ;  Logansport,  5,000 ;  and  Michigan  City,  on  Lake 
Michigan,  4,000. 

COUNTY  CAPITALS. 

1.  Decatur.  2.  Fort  Wayne.  3.  Columbus.  4.  Oxford.  5.  Hartford. 
6.  Lebanon.  7.  Nashville.  8.  Delphi.  9.  Logansport.  10.  Charleston. 
11.  Bowling  Green.  12.  Frankfort.  13.  Leavenworth.  14.  Washington. 
15.  Lawrenceburg.  16.  Greensburg.  17.  Auburn.  18.  Muncie.  19. 
Jasper.  20.  Goshen.  21.  Connersville.  22.  New  Albany.  23.  Coving- 
ton.  24.  Brookville.  25.  Rochester.  26.  Princeton.  27.  Marion.  28. 
Bloomfield,  29.  Noblesville.  30.  Greenfield.  81.  Corydon.  32.  Danville. 


UNITED    STATES.  141 

35.  Newcastle.  34.  Kokomo.  35.  Huntington.  36.  Brownstown.  37. 
Rensselaer.  38.  Portland.  39.  Madison.  40.  Vernon.  41.  Franklin. 
42.  Vincennes.  43.  Warsaw.  44.  La  Grange.  45.  Crown  Point.  46. 
Laporte.  47.  Bedford.  48.  Anderson.  49.  INDIANAPOLIS.  50.  Plymouth. 
51.  Dover  Hill.  52.  Peru.  53.  Bloomington.  54.  Oawfordsville.  55. 
Martinsville.  50.  .  .  57.  Albion.  58.  Rising  Sun.  59.  Paoli.  60. 
Spencer.  61.  Rockville.  62.  Rome.  63.  Petersburg.  64.  Valparaiso. 
65.  Mount  Vernon.  66.  "VVinnamac.  67.  Greencastle.  68.  Winchester. 
69.  Versailles.  70.  Rushville.  71.  South  Bend.  72.  Lexington.  73. 
Shelbyville.  74.  llockport.  75.  Knox.  70.  Angola.  77.  Sullivan.  78. 
Vevay.  79.  Lafayette.  80.  Tipton.  81.  Liberty.  82.  Evansville.  83. 
Newport.  84.  Terre  Haute.  85.  Wabash.  86.  Williamsport.  87. 
Booneville.  88.  Salem.  89.  Richmond.  90.  Bluffton.  91.  Monticello. 
92.  Columbia. 

ILLINOIS. 

Area  56,000  square  miles.     Population  1,711,000. 

Illinois  is  a  large,  prosperous  and  flourishing  State.  The 
French  traveller  Marquette  made,  in  1673,  the  first  tour  of 
exploration  through  this  State,  and  the  earliest  settlement 
within  it  was  made  towards  the  close  of  the  17th  century,  by 
some  French  pioneers,  at  Kaskaskia,  In  1809  it  was  erected 
into  a  territorial  government,  and  in  1818  became  a  sovereign 
State  of  the  American  Union,  since  which  period  its  advance- 
ment in  wealth, population  and  importance  has  been  amazing. 
It  is  now  one  of  the  leading  states  of  the  Union,  in  wealth, 
commerce,  and  political  importance.  It  is  bounded  north  by 
Wisconsin,  east  by  lake  Michigan  and  Indiana,  south  by 
Kentucky  and  Missouri,  and  west  by  Missouri,  arid  it  is  divi- 
ded into  103  counties. 

Surface,  S?c. — Illinois  is  one  of  the  most  level  States  in  the 
Union.  The  greater  portion  of  it  consists  of  vast  level  and 
undulating  prairies.  We  can  travel  for  miles  over  these  with- 
out seeing  an  eminence  worthy  the  name  of  a  hill.  These 
western  meadows  seem  to  be  the  home  of  fertility. 

Rivers. — The  principal  rivers  are  the  Illinois,  formed  by 
the  confluence  of  the  Fox  and  the  Kankakee ;  the  Rock  and 
the  Kaskaskia,both  affluents  of  the  Mississippi.  TheEmbarras 
and  the  Little  Wabash,  tributaries  of  the  Wabash,  rise  in  this 
State. 

Climate. — Owing  to  the  evenness  of  the  surface,  the  air  is 
in  constant  motion  over  the  vast  prairies,  and  the  cold  of  win- 
ter is  on  this  account,  unusually  severe,  and  the  heat  of  sum- 
mer, which  otherwise  would  be  very  great,  is  for  the  same 


142  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND-BOOK. 

reason  greatly  modified.  The  air  is  generally  pure,  clear,  and 
salubrious,  except  in  certain  localities  where  noxious  exhala- 
tions are  prevalent. 

Products. — The  State  yields  great  quantities  of  vegetables 
and  minerals.  Corn,  wheat,  potatoes,  and  tobacco,  are  grown 
in  abundance  ;  considerable  attention  is  also  bestowed  upon 
the  raising  of  cattle,  horses,  and  sheep.  The  game  of  this 
State  yet  attracts  the  sportsman,  and  the  northern  rivers  con- 
tain great  abundance  of  trout  and  other  fish. 

Manufactures. — Illinois  has  to  no  considerable  extent  be- 
come engaged  in  manufactures,  although  the  facilities  there- 
for are  by  no  means  wanting  when  the  time  shall  amve  which 
shall  render  these  branches  of  industry  profitable  or  necessary. 
A  few  iron  and  woolen  manufactories  comprise  as  yet  the 
principal  establishments  occupied  in  this  species  of  industry. 

Education. — The  people  of  Illinois  incorporated  into  the 
constitution  of  their  State,  an  article,  giving  one  section  of  land 
in  each  township  for  common  school  purposes,  thus  mani- 
festing their  early  appreciation  of  the  advantages  of  a  iree 
dissemination  of  knowledge.  The  schools  of  this  State  are 
finely  conducted.  Her  colleges  are  :  Illinois  College,  at  Jack- 
sonville, founded  in  1830;  Shurtleff  College,  at  Upper  Alton, 
founded  in  1835  ;  McKendree  College,  at  Lebanon,  founded 
in  1835 ;  and  Knox  College,  at  Galesburg,  founded  in  1837. 

Minerals. — The  whole  State  almost  is  a  vast  coal  bed,  and 
the  richest  lead  mines  in  the  world  are  found  here.  Salt 
Springs  are  common. 

Curiosities.— The  cave  in  Hardin  county,  on  the  Ohio,  the  en- 
trance to  which  is  eighty  feet  wide,  and  twenty-five  feet  high,  and 
the  remarkable  bluffs  on  the  banks  of  the  Mississippi,  called 
Starved  Rock,  and  Lover's  Leap,  are  objects  of  some  interest. 

Government. — The  Governor  and  Lieutenant  Governor 
are  each  elected  for  four  years,  and  the  General  Assembly  is 
composed  of  a  Senate  of  25  members,  elected  for  four  years 
each,  (one  half  biennially,)  and  a  House  of  Representatives 
chosen  for  two  years  each. 

COUNTIES. 

1.  Adams.  6.  Bureau.  11.   Christian. 

2.  Alexander.  7.  Calkoun.  12-  Clark. 

3.  Bond.  8.  Carroll.  13.  Clay. 

4.  Boone.  9.  Cass.  14.  Clintou, 

5.  Brown.  10.  Champaign.  15.  Coles.* 


UNITED     STATES. 


143 


16.  Cook. 

17.  Crawford. 

18.  Cumberland. 

19.  De  Kalb. 

20.  DeWitt, 

21.  Douglas. 
'22.  Du  Page. 

23.  Edgar. 

24.  Edwards. 

25.  Effingham. 

26.  Fayette. 

27.  Ford. 

28.  Franklin. 

29.  Fulton. 

30.  Gallatin. 

31.  Greene. 

32.  Grundy. 

33.  Hamilton. 

34.  Hancock. 

35.  Harclin. 
3G.  Henderson. 

37.  Henry. 

38.  Iroquois. 

39.  Jackson. 

40.  Jasper. 

41.  Jefferson. 

42.  Jersey. 

43.  Jo  Daviess. 

44.  Johnson. 

45.  Kane. 


46.  Kankakee, 

47.  Kendall. 

48.  Knox. 

49.  Lake. 

50.  La  Salle. 

51.  Lawrence. 

52.  Lee. 

53.  Livingston. 

54.  Logan. 

55.  McDonough. 

56.  Me  Henry. 

57.  McLean. 

58.  Macon. 

59.  Macoupin. 

60.  Madison. 

61.  Marion. 

62.  Marquette. 

63.  Marshall. 
C4.  Mason. 
65.  Massac. 
6G.  Menard. 

67.  Mercer. 

68.  Monroe. 

69.  Montgomery. 

70.  Morgan. 

71.  Moultrie. 

72.  Ogle. 

73.  Peovia. 

74.  Perry. 


75.  Piatt, 

76.  Pike. 

77.  Pope. 

78.  Pulaski. 

79.  Putnam. 

80.  Randolph. 

81.  Richland. 

82.  Rock  Island. 

83.  St.  Clair. 

84.  Saline. 

85.  Sangamon. 

86.  Schuyler. 

87.  Scott. 

88.  Shelby. 

89.  Stark. 

90.  Stephenson. 

91.  Tazewell. 

92.  Union. 

93.  Vermillion. 

94.  Wabash. 

95.  Warren. 

96.  Washington. 

97.  Wayne. 

98.  White. 
'.»;».  Whiteside. 

100.  Will. 

101.  Williamson. 

102.  Winnebago. 
ln:j.  Woodford. 


CHICAGO,  situated  on  the  southwest  shore  of  Lake  Michi- 
gan, upon  both  sides  of  the  Chicago  river,  is  the  largest  city 
of  Illinios  and  the  chief  commercial  emporium  "of  the  north- 
west. In  1837  it  numbered  about  4,000  inhabitants,  since 
which  time  its  growth  has  been  unparalleled  in  the  history 
of  cities.  Its  site  to  the  naked  eye  seems  a  dead  level,  and  it 
is  laid  out  with  streets  running  nearly  north  and  south,  and 
east  and  west.  The  most  handsome  residences  are  built 
along  the  lake  and  in  the  north  part  of  the  city,  but  the 
business  is  chiefly  transacted  on  the  south  side  of  the  river. 
Michigan  Avenue,  considered  the  most  beautiful  street  in  the 
city,  runs  along  the  lake  shore  and  is  bordered  with  handsome 
shade  trees.  The  Court  House,  the  Merchants'  Exchange, 
the  Marine  Hospital,  the  Medical  College,  and  the  Second 
Presbyterian  Church,  are  all  large  and  splendid  buildings. 
Chicago  is  the  centre  of  numerous  lines  of  railways,  over 
one  hundred  trains  of  cars  arriving  in  this  place  daily,  and  it 
is  now  regarded  as  the  greatest  primary  grain  depot  in  the 


144  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND   BOOK. 

world.  It  now  has  communication  by  means  of  the  chain 
of  lakes  and  canals  with  the  Atlantic,  so  that  large  vessels 
can  sail  direct  from  Europe  to  Chicago.  It  carries  on  an  im- 
mense lumber  trade;  Great  quantities  of  cattle  are  sent  from 
here  to  the  New  York  market  by  railway.  An  admirable 
system  of  free  schools  has  for  some  years  been  in  active  oper- 
ation in  this  city,  affording  the  child  of  the  poor  as  well  as  the 
rich  the  means  of  acquiring  a  superior  education.  Excellent 
building  material,  called  the  Athens  marble,  is  quarried  in 
great  abundance  about  twenty  miles  from  the  city.  The 
manufactures  of  Chicago  are  very  extensive.  Population 
110,000. 

SPRINGFIELD,  the  capital,  is  situated  near  the  geographical 
centre  of  the  State,  three  miles  south  of  the  Sangamon  river, 
and  230  miles  southwest  of  Chicago.  It  is  surrounded  by 
rich  and  extensive  prairies,  and  since  the  establishment  of  the 
seat  of  Government  here  in  1840,  it  has  become  quite  a  com- 
mercial city.  Population  7,000. 

PEORIA,  situated  upon  the  Illinois  river,  near  the  outlet  of 
the  lake  of  the  same  name,  is  the  largest  and  most  beautiful 
town  on  the  river,  and  one  of  the  most  important  commercial 
places  in  the  State.  The  city  is  laid  out  with  wide  streets  inter- 
secting each  other  at  right  angles,  and  many  of  the  private 
buildings  are  handsome.  The  lake  adds  great  beauty  to  the 
scenery  of  the  town  and  is  as  useful  as  beautiful,  furnishing 
the  inhabitants  with  abundance  of  fish  in  the  summer,  and 
in  the  winter  a  sufficient  supply  of  ice.  Population  15,000. 

QUINCY,  built  on  the  Mississippi,  106  miles  west  of  Spring- 
field, is  a  place  of  considerable  trade  and  manufactures,  and 
carries  on  a  large  commerce.  Population  14,000. 

GALENA,  situated  in  the  northwest  corner  of  the  State,  is  the 
chief  town  of  the  Illinois  lead  region,  and  the  entrepot  between 
Chicago  and  Minnesota.  Population  8,000. 

JOLIET,  located  on  the  Des  Moiues  river,  has  considerable 
manufactures  and  commerce,  with  7,000  inhabitants. 

ALTON,  on  the  Mississippi,  twenty-five  miles  above  St. 
Louis,  is  a  port  of  entry  and  a  thriving  town.  It  contains  the 
State  Penitentiary,  and  7,000  inhabitants. 

BLOOMINGTON,  in  McLean  county,  is  the  seat  of  the  State  Normal  School. 
Population  7,000. 

JACKSONVILLE,  one  of  the  most  flourishing  of  the  interior  towns,  situated 
in  Macon  county,  is  the  seat  of  the  Illinois  College,  the  State  Institutions  for 
the  Deaf  and  Dumb  and  the  Blind,  and  a  State  Hospital.  Population  6,000. 


UNITED    STATES.  145 

,  in  Knox  county,  is  the  seat  of  Knox  College,  a  manual  labor 
school,  Population  5,500. 

ROCKFOBD,  situated  on  Rock  river,  in  Winnebago  county,  is  the  centre  of 
an  active  trade.  Population  7,000. 

ROCK  ISLAND,  in  the  county  of  the  same  name,  is  noted  for  its  manufac- 
tures. Population  5,000. 

KASKASKIA,  at  the  mouth  of  the  river  of  this  name,  is  famed  for  being  the 
oldest  settled  town  in  the  State. 

COUNTY  CAPITALS. 

1.  Quincy.  S.Thebes.  S.Greenville.  4.  Belvidere.  5.  Mount  Sterling. 
6.  Princeton.  7.  Hardin.  8.  Mount  Carroll.  9.  Beardstown.  10.  Ur- 
banna.  11.  Taylorsville.  12.  Marshall.  13.  Louisville.  14.  Carlyle. 
15.  Charleston.  16.  Chicago.  17.  Palestine.  18.  Greenup.  19.  Syca- 
more. 20.  Clinton.  21.  .  .  22.  Napierville.  23.  Paris.  24.  Albion. 
25.  Ewington.  20.  Vandalia.  27.  ...  28.  Benton.  29.  Lewiston. 
30.  Equality.  31.  Carrollton.  32.  Morris.  33.  McLeansborough.  34. 
Carthage.  35.  Eiizabethtown.  36.  Oquawka.  37.  Cambridge.  38.  Mid- 
dlefort.  39.  Murphysboro'.  40.  Newton.  41.  Mount  Vernon.  42.  Jer- 
seyville.  43.  Galena.  44.  Vienna.  45.  Geneva.  46.  Kankakee  City. 
47.  Oswego.  48.  Knoxville.  49.  Waukegan.  50.  Ottawa.  51.  Law- 
renceville.  52.  Dixon.  53.  Pontiac.  54.  Postville.  55.  Macomb.  56. 
Woodstock.  57.  Bloomington.  58.  Decatur.  59.  Carlinville.  GO.  Ed- 

wardsville.     61.    Salem.     62 63.    Lacon.     64.    Havana.     65. 

Metropolis.  66.  Petersburg.  67.  Keithsburg.  68.  Waterloo.  69.  Hills- 
borough.  70.  Jacksonville.  71.  Sullivan.  72.  Oregon  City.  73.  Peoria. 
74.  Pinckneyville.  75.  Monticello.  76.  Pittsfield.  77.  Golconda.  78. 
Caledonia.  79.  Hennepin.  80.  Chester.  81.  Olney.  82.  Rock  Island. 
83.  Belleville.  84.  Raleigh.  85.  SPRINGFIELD.  86.  Rushville.  87.  Win- 
chester. 88.  Shelbyville.  89.  Toulon.  90.  Freeport.  91.  Tremont.  92. 
Jonesborough.  93.  Danville.  94.  Mount  Carmel.  95.  Monmouth.  96. 
Nashville.  97.  FairfieTcl.  98.  Carmi.  99.  Morrison.  100.  Joliet.  101. 
Marion.  102.  Rockford.  103.  Metamora. 

MICHIGAN. 

Area  56,000  square  miles.     Population  749,000. 

Michigan  is  one  of  the  most  northern  States  of  the  Union. 
It  was'originally  included  in  the  line  of  settlements  made  by 
the  French,  but  came,  by  the  treaty  of  Paris  in  1763,  with 
the  other  French  colonies,  into  the  possession  of  the  British 
and  so  remained  until  the  commencement  of  the  American 
Revolution;  yet  Detroit  was  held  by  the  English  until  1796. 
Michigan  was  the  scene  of  some  stirring  events  during  the 
late  war  with  Great  Britain.  Owing  to  its  contiguity  to  Can- 
ada, it  was  invaded  by  the  British,  and  in  1812  Detroit  was 
surrendered  by  Gen.  Hull,  the  American  commander,  and 
soon  after  followed  the  massacre  of  Frenchtown.  Not  long 
after  this  event  the  enemy  was  driven  from  Michigan,  and 

H 


146  GEOGRAPHICAL   HAND   BOOK. 

in  the  year  183G  it  was  admitted  as  a  sovereign  State  of  the 
American  Union. 

Michigan  consists  of  two  peninsulas.  The  southern  is 
situated  between  lake  Michigan  on  the  west,and  lakes  Huron, 
St.  Clair,  and  Erie  on  the  east,  and  bounded  south  by  Ohio  and 
Indiana ;  the  northern,  between  lakes  Michigan  and  Huron 
on  the  south,  and  lake  Superior  on  the  north,  and  bounded 
southwest  by  Wisconsin;  and  it  is  divided  into  63  organized 
counties,  besides  21  unorganized. 

Surface,  $c. — An  elevated  table  land  runs  through  the 
centre  of  the  southern  peninsula,  causing  the  rivers  to  flow  in 
opposite  directions.  The  face  of  this  peninsula  is  in  general 
level  or  gently  undulating,  and  the  greater  part  of  it  is  extreme- 
ly fertile.  The  northern  peninsula  is  much  more  hilly  than 
the  southern,  and  in  the  western  part  rise  the  lofty  ridges  of 
the  Wisconsin  mountains. 

Rivers. — The  rivers  of  Michigan  are  small,  but  usually 
have  rapid  currents.  The  principal,  besides  St.  Mary's,  St. 
Clair,  and  the  Detroit,  which  unite  the  great  lakes,  are  the 
Raisin,  Huron,  Saginaw,  and  the  An  Sable,  running  easterly ; 
and  the  St.  Joseph,  Kalamazoo,  Grand  river,  Maskegon,  and 
the  Manistee,  running  westerly. 

Climate. — -The  severity  of  the  climate  is  to  a  certain  extent 
moderated  by  the  contiguity  of  the  lakes,  yet  the  temperature 
of  the  northern  peninsula  is  extremely  rigorous.  The  winter 
grains  can  alone  be  cultivated  in  the  northern  parts,  but  in 
the  southern,  corn  is  also  successfully  grown.  Bilious  fevers 
and  ague  prevail  here,  but  consumption  is  rare. 

Products. — The  principal  agricultural  products  grown  in 
this  State,  are  wheat,  corn,  oats  and  barley,  but  pears,  apples, 
and  grapes  also  flourish.  The  hunter  finds  here  a  great  va- 
riety of  wild  game,  and  the  lakes  and  rivers  supply  the 
choicest  species  of  water  fowl  and  fish  in  abundance. 

Manufactures. — Michigan,  like  other  recently  settled  states, 
has  not  yet  had  sufficient  time  for  the  establishment  of  man- 
ufactures to  develop  her  resources.  She  has  already 
a  few  manufactories  of  iron,  leather,  arid  liquors,  and  those  of 
lumber  form  an  important  item  in  the  industrial  employments 
of  the  State. 

Education. — Great  zeal  has  been  devoted  to  the  educational 
interests  of  this  State,  and  being  settled  chiefly  by  New  Eng- 
land emigrants,  she  has  ever  striven  to  imitate  the  liberal 


UNITED    STATES.  147 

systems  of  those  States  in  regard  to  the  general  diffusion  of 
knowledge.  Of  her  two  leading  educational  institutions,  the 
University  of  Michigan,  at  Ann  Arbor,  founded  in  1837,  is  in 
a  very  flourishing  condition;  St.  Philip's  College,  near  De- 
troit, was  founded  in  1839. 

Minerals. — The  northern  peninsula  contains  probably  the 
richest  copper  mines  in  the  world.  Although  the  mineral 
resources  of  Michigan  are  but  imperfectly  developed,  yet  sil- 
ver, lead,  limestone  and  coal  are  known  to  exist. 

Curiosities. — On  the  southern  shore  of  lake  Superior,  about 
sixty  miles  west  of  the  strait  of  St.  Mary,  are  the  celebrated 
Pictured  Rocks.  These  are  composed  of  sandstone  of  various 
colors  and  represent  ruined  temples,  castles,  caverns  and  water- 
falls. One  called  the  Doric  Rock  is  a  colonnade  of  four  round 
pillars  of  from  three  to  seven  feet  in  diameter  and  40  feet  in 
height,  which  supports  an  entablature  eight  feet  thick  and  30 
feet  across.  These  rocks  extend  for  about  12  miles  and  rise 
to  the  height  of  300  feet  out  of  the  water.  Cascades  some- 
times shoot  here  so  far  over  the  precipice  that  boats  can  pass 
beneath  the  sheet  of  water  and  the  shore. 

Government. — The  Governor  andJLieutenant  Governor  are 
each  elected  for  two  years.  The  Senate  consists  of  32  and 
the  House  of  Representatives  of  66  members,  both  elected  for 
two  years.  The  Legislature  meet  biennially  on  the  first  Wed- 
nesday of  January. 

Inhabitants. — The  great  mass  of  the  people  of  Michigan, 
although  originally  settled  by  the  French,  are  from  the  New 
England  and  Middle  States. 

COUNTIES. 

1.  Alcona.  17.  Emmett.  33.  Leelenan. 

2.  Allegan.  18.  Genesee.  34.  Lenawee. 

3.  Alpena.  19.  Gladwin.  35.  Livingston. 

4.  Antrim.  20.  Grand  Traverse.  36.  Macomb. 

5.  Barry.  21.  Gratiot,  37.  Manistee. 
C.  Bay.  22.  Hillsdale.  38.  Manitou. 

7.  Berrien.  23.  Hougliton.  39.  Mason. 

8.  Branch.  24.  Huron.  40.  Marquette. 

9.  Cass.  25.  Ingham.  41.  Michilimacinac. 

10.  Calhoun.  26.  Ionia.  42.  Midland. 

11.  Chippewa.  27.  Isabella.  43.  Montcalm. 

12.  Cheboygan.  28.  Jackson.  44.  Monroe. 

13.  Clare.  29.  losco.  45'  Maskeegan. 

14.  Clinton.  30.  Kalamazoo,  46.  Necosta. 

15.  Delta.  31.  Kent.  47.  Newaygo. 
10.  Eaton.  32.  Lapeer.  48.  Oakland. 


148  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND-BOOK. 

49.  Oceana.  54.  Sanilac.  59.  St.  Joseph. 

50.  OntonagOH.  55.  Saginaw.  60.  Tuscola. 

51.  Osceola.  56.  Schoolcr.ift.  61.  Van  Buren. 

52.  Ottawa.  57.  Shiawassce.  62.  Washtenaw. 

53.  Presque  Isle.  58.  St.  Clair.  63.  Wayne. 

DETROIT,  situated  on  the  river  so  named,  18  miles  from 
lake  Erie,  is  the  metropolis  of  Michigan,  and  the  commercial 
depot  for  a  large  region  of  country.  It  posesses  one  of  the 
finest  harbors  in  the  Union,  of  sufficient  depth  for  the  largest 
vessels.  The  first  permanent  settlement  where  Detroit  now 
stands  was  made  by  a  party  of  French  in  1701,  under  Antoine 
de  la  Motte  Cadillac.  A  part  of  the  City  is  regularly  laid  out 
with  streets  running  parallel  with  the  river  and  crossing  each 
other  at  right  angles.  The  most  handsome  edifices  are  the 
old  State  House,  the  City  Hall,  and  the  Michigan  Bank. 

The  position  of  Detroit  is  admirable  in  a  commercial  point 
of  view,  from  its  contiguity  to  the  great  lakes,  united  as  they 
are  by  numerous  rivers  and  canals. 

The  manufactures  of  Detroit  are  very  extensive,  the  sawing 
of  lumber  being  the  great  branch  of  this  species  of  industry. 
Ship  and  Steamboat  building,  is  likewise  carried  on  with  great 
energy.  The  retail  trade  of  this  city,  is  very  large,  and  the 
wholesale  business  has  also  become  extensive.  Detroit  was 
nearly  entirely  consumed  by  fire  in  1805.  Population,  46,000. 

LANSING,  built  upon  Grand  River,  110  miles  N.  W.  o  f 
Detroit,  is  the  State  Capital.  It  is  abundantly  suppLed  with 
water  for  the  propelling  of  manufactories,  and  it  carries  on 
an  active  and  increasing  trade.  It  is  surrounded  by  a  fertile 
country,  abounding  in  timber  and  coal.  The  State  House  is 
a  large,  handsome  edifice,  occupying  an  eminence  50  feet 
above  the  river.  Lansing  became  the  Seat  of  Government 
in  1849,  and  in  1859  was  incorporated  as  a  City.  Popula- 
tion, 8,000. 

ANN  ARBOR,  on  the  river  Huron  and  the  Michigan  Cen- 
tral R.  R,  37  miles  west  of  Detroit,  is  one  of  the  most  pleasant 
and  healthy  places  in  the  State.  It  has  a  large  trade,  and  is 
the  seat  of  the  State  University.  Population,  10,000. 

GRAND  RAPIDS,  situated  on  Grand  River,  at  the  Rapids, 
is  an  important  manufacturing  and  commercial  town,  and 
a  shiping  port  for  a  large  district  of  country.  Population, 
8,000. 

KALAMAZOO,  situated  on  the  river  of  this  name,  65  miles 
from  its  mouth  and  on  the  Michigan  Central  R.  R.,  143  miles 


UNITED    STATES.  149 

west  of  Detroit,  contains  various  kinds  of  manufactures.  It 
is  handsomely  built  with  broad  streets,  and  is  shaded  with 
fine  oak  trees.  It  is  the  seat  of  the  State  Lunatic  Asylum, 
and  of  a  branch  of  the  Michigan  University.  Population 
8,000. 

ADRIAN,  on  a  branch  of  the  river  Raisin,  is  the  centre  of  a 
rich  agricultural  region  and  an  important  trading  point. 
Population  6,000. 

MONROE,  built  upon  both  sides  of  the  river  Raisin,  three  miles  from  its  en- 
trance into  Lake  Erie,  with  -which  it  is  united  by  a  ship  canal,  has  consid- 
erable manufactures.  This  town  was  settled  by  the  French  in  1776.  Pop- 
ulation 6,000. 

JACKSON,  on  Grand  River,  75  miles  west  of  Detroit,  is  the  seat  of  tho 
State  Penitentiary.  It  has  great  water  power  in  the  river.  Population  5,000. 

YPSILANTI,  on  the  river  Huron,  80  miles  west  of  Detroit,  has  extensive 
manufactures  of  woolens,  iron  and  flour.  Population  4,000. 

COUNTY   CAPITALS. 

1.  ...  2.  Allegan.  3.  ...  4.  ...  5.  Hastings.  6.  Bay 
City.  7.  Berrien.  8.  Coldwater.  9.  Cassopolis.  10.  Marshall.  11.  Sault 
St.  Marie.  12.  Duncan.  13.  ...  14.  De  Witt.  15.  ...  16. 
Charlotte.  17.  .  .  .18.  Flint.  ...  19.  ...  20.  Gd.  Trav- 
erse City.  21.  Ithica.  22.  Hillsdalc.  23.  Eagle  River.  21.  .  .  25. 
LANSINO.  26.  Ionia.  27.  ...  28.  Jackson.  29.  .  .  30.  Kalama- 
zoo.  31.  Grand  Rapids.  32.  Lapeer.  33.  .  .  34.  Adrian.  3.r>.  IIow- 
ell.  36.  Mt.  Clemens.  37.  ...  38.  ...  39.  ...  40.  Mnr- 
quette.  41.  Mackinaw.  42.  Midland.  43.  Montcalm.  4k  Monroe.  45. 

.  .  .46.  ...  47.  Newaygo.  48.  Pontiac.  49.  Benona.  50. 
Ontonagon.  51.  .  .  52.  Grand  Haven.  58.  .  .  .  54.  Port  Sanilac. 
55.  Sagiuaw.  56.  ...  57.  Corunna.  58.  St.  Clair.  59.  Centreville. 
()0.  Vassar.  61.  Pawpaw.  62.  Ann  Arbor.  03.  Detroit. 

WISCONSIN. 

Area  54,000  square  miles.     Population  776,000. 

Wisconsin  is  a  large,  newly  settled  and  interesting  State. 
It  was  early  explored  by  the  French  missionaries  and  dis- 
coverers, and  settlements  were  made  by  the  French  during  the 
latter  part  of  the  17th  century.  Little  progress,  however,  was 
made  in  the  settlement  of  it  until  its  admission  into  the 
Union  in  1848,  since  which  time  an  almost  unequalled  emi- 
gration has  been  attracted  to  its  fertile  soil  and  rolling  prai- 
ries. Wisconsin  is  bounded  north  by  Lake  Superior  and 
Michigan,  east  by  Lake  Michigan,  south  by  Illinois  and 
west  by  Iowa  and  Minnesota,  and  contains  58  counties. 

Surface,  fyc. — This  State  may  be  described  as  a  vast  ele- 
vated rolling  prairie,  destitute  of  mountains.  Great  portions 
of  Wisconsin  are  very  fertile,  especially  the  southern  part. 

Rivers. — The  Mississippi  river  flows  along  the  southwestern 


150  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

border  of  the  State,  for  a  distance  of  over  200  miles.  Be- 
ginning at  the  south,  we  have  in  order  the  Wisconsin,  the 
Black,  and  the  Chippewa  rivers.  The  St.  Croix  forms  the 
western  boundary.  The  Wisconsin  is  the  largest  and  has  a 
navigable  length  of  180  miles  for  steamboats.  The  Fox  or 
Neenah  river,  connects  Winnebago  Lake  with  Green  Bay. 

Climate. — The  climate  differs  but  little  from  that  of  the 
same  latitude  in  Michigan.  Great  rigidity  of  climate  is  experi- 
enced in  the  northern  parts,  but  the  lakes,  also,  exert  here  a 
mitigating  effect  upon  the  severity  of  the  atmosphere. 

Products. — As  the  climate,  so  the  products  of  this  state  are 
in  general,  similar  to  those  of  Michigan.  The  staples  are, 
wheat,  corn,  oats,  potatoes,  butter  and  live  stock ;  vast  forests 
of  pine  grow  here. 

Manufactures. — This  newly  settled  State,  like  most  of  her 
sister  western  States,  has  not  yet  had  sufficient  time  to  test  her 
manufacturing  capabilities,  nor  indeed,  would  this  branch  of 
industry  be  her  most  profitable  employment,  in  view  of  the 
undeveloped  agricultural  resources  of  the  State.  Her  nu- 
merous rivers,  and  frequent  falls  and  rapids,  afford  excellent 
facilities  for  mill  sites  of  every  description,  and  her  forests  and 
iron  for  ship  and  steamboat  building.  Great  quantities  of  pine 
and  oak  are  annually  sawed  into  scantling,  plank,  boards, 
lath,  3*c.  Considerable  quantities  of  flour  are  manufactur- 
ed in  this  State. 

Education. — A  very  excellent  system  of  common  schools, 
has  been  established  in  Wisconsin,  large  quantities  of  land 
being  granted  by  the  State  for  their  support,  and  the  school 
fund  is  at  this  time  quite  large.  The  State  has  likewise  made 
liberal  contributions  in  land,  for  the  maintenence  of  a  Uni- 
versity. The  Wisconsin  University  at  Madison,  was  founded 
in  1851;  Beloit  College  at  Beloit,  Rock  county,  in  1847, 
and  the  Milwaukee  University,  at  the  City  so  named,  in  1853. 

Curiosities. — Wisconsin  posesses  many  objects  attractive 
to  the  curious,  the  most  noted  of  which  is  the  ancient  forti- 
fication, at  Aztalan,  in  Jefferson  County,  550  yards  long,  275 
wide,  with  walls  five  feet  high  and  20  feet  thick  at  the  base. 
Besides  this  arid  numerous  other  relics  of  defunct  races,  her 
rivers  contain  many  interesting  cascades,  which  entice  to  their 
shores  the  admirers  of  the  grand  and  picturesque. 

Minerals. — A  part  of  the  great  lead  region  of  Illinois  and 
Iowa,  extends  into  Wisconsin,  but  the  lead  here  is  generally 


UNITED    STATES.  151 

found  intermingled  with  zinc  and  copper.  Iron  has  been 
obtained  in  large  quantities,  and  in  the  northern  parts  beau- 
tiful varieties  of  marble. 

Government. — The  Governor  is  elected  for  two  years,  as  is 
also  a  Lieutenant  Governor,  for  the  same  length  of  time. 
The  Senate  consists  of  18,  and  the  House  of  Representatives 
of  54  members,  and  each  are  elected  tor  the  same  period  as 
the  Executive.  The  Legislature  convenes  on  the  first  Mon- 
day of  January. 

Inhabitants. — Wisconsin  has  been  settled  by  the  older 
States,  and  by  foreign  emigration.  A  large  portion  of  the 
foreign  emigration  has  been  German,  and  this  element  exerts 
here  a  controlling  influence.  Large  bodies  of  Norwegians 
have  settled  in  this  State. 

COUNTIES, 

1.  Adams.  21.  Grant.  40.  Pcpin. 

2.  Ashland.  23.  Green  Lake.  41.  Pierce. 

3.  Bad  Axe.  23.  Iowa.  42.  Portage. 

4.  Brown.  24.  Jackson.  43.  Polk. 

5.  Buffalo.  25.  Jefferson.  41.  Richlaiid. 

6.  Burnet.  26.  Juneau.  45.  Racine. 

7.  Chippewa.  27.  Kenosha.  4(3.  Rock. 

8.  Columbia.  2H.  Kcwaunec.  47.   Shawnn.i. 
0.  Crawford.  29.  La  Crosse.  48.  St.  Croix. 

10.  Clarke.  30.  Lafayette.  49.  Sauk. 

11.  Calumet.  31.  La  Pointc.  50.  Sheboygan. 

12.  Dallas.  32.  Manitowoc.  51.  Trenipeleau . 

13.  Dane.  33.  Marquette.  52.  Waukesha. 

14.  Dodge.  84.  Milwaukee.  53.  Waupacca. 

15.  Dunn.  35.  Monroe.  54.  Waushara. 

16.  Door.  36-  Marathon.  55.  Wood. 

17.  Douglas.  37.  Outagamie.  56.  Walworth. 

18.  Eau  Claire.  38.  Ozaukee.  57.  Washington. 

19.  Fond  du  Lac.  39.  Oconto.  58.  Winnebago. 

20.  Greene. 

MILWAUKEE,  the  largest  City  in  Wisconsin,  is  located  on 
the  west  shore  of  lake  Michigan,  at  the  mouth  of  the  river  of 
its  own  name,  90  miles  north  of  Chicago.  This  city,  ex- 
hibits a  remarkable  growth  from  a  wilderness  in  1835,  until 
it  now  ranks  amongst  the  large  and  important  commercial 
depots  of  the  West.  It  enjoys  a  highly  salubrious  climate, 
being  considered  one  of  the  most  healthy  places  in  the  west- 
ern country,  its  mortality  being  less  than  that  of  any  city  west 
of  Buffalo.  It  has  a  large  and  constantly  increasing  com- 
merce, the  main  feature  of  which  is  its  vast  grain  trade,  many 


152  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

of  the  best  flouring  mills  in  the  West  are  found  here,  and  the 
brands  of  these  rank  high^n  the  eastern,  and  continental 
markets.  Milwaukee  is  the  outlet  for  the  produce  of  a  rich, 
and  rapidly  improving  country,  and  it  has  already  a  large 
number  of  manufacturing  establishments.  It  was  incorpor- 
ated as  a  City  in  1846.  Population  45,000. 

MADISON,  the  capital  of  Wisconsin,  occupies  an  undulat- 
ing isthmus,  between  lakes  Mendota,  and  Menona,  and  as 
regards  location  and  scenery,  is  the  handsomest  city  of  the 
whole  west.  It  is  about  three  miles  long  and  one  wide,  with 
broad,  straight  and  regular  streets,  and  many  large  and  beautiful 
buildings.  The  State  House  is  built  upon  an  eminence  on 
lake  Mendota,  and  is  encompassed  by  a  fine  park  of  forty  acres. 
Madison  is  the  seat  of  the  State  Lunatic  Asylum.  It  became 
the  seat  of  Government  in  1836,  at  which  time  it 
was  a  wilderness.  Being  surrounded  by  a  rich  agricultural 
country,  it  is  destined  to  become  a  cpasiderable  commercial 
city.  Its  manufactures  comprise  those  of  flour,  ale,  beer, 
wagons,  carriages,  iron  ware,  clothing,  and  agricultural  im- 
plements. Population  8,000. 

RACINE,  situated  at  the  mouth  of  Root  river,  on  Lake  Michi- 
gan, 25  miles  south  of  Milwaukee,  is  the  second  commercial 
city  of  Wisconsin.  It  is  regularly  laid  out  and  well  built, 
and  contains  numerous  ma aufactories,  furnaces,  and  machine 
shops.  It  is  the  seat  of  Racine  College.  The  citizens  have 
expended  a  considerable  amount  of  money  to  improve  the 
harbor.  Population  9,000. 

BELOIT,  located  on  Rock  river,  near  the  Illinois  border,  is 
quite  a  flourishing  town,  and  is  engaged  in  manufacturing  to 
a  considerable  extent;  it  is  a  great  railroad  centre.  Popula- 
tion 8,000. 

JANESVILLE,  on  Rock  river,  44  miles  southeast  of  the  State 
Capital,  is  the  centre  of  an  active  and  increasing  trade.  Here 
is  erected  the  State  Asylum  for  the  Blind.  Population  8,000. 

KENOSHA,  on  lake  Michigan,  35  miles  south  of  Milwaukee, 
is  a  flourishing  town  with  a  fine  harbor  and  considerable  ex- 
port trade.  Population  7,500. 

PRAIRIE  DU  CHIEN,  on  the  Mississippi  river,  four  miles  above  the  mouth  of 
the  Wisconsin  river,  is  a  thriving  place,  and  one  of  the  oldest  towns  in  the 
state,  having  been  settled  by  the  French  about  1740.  A  number  of  ancient 
mounds  are  found  here.  Population  4,000. 

FOND  DU  LAC,  built  at  the  southern  extremity  of  Lake  Winnebago,  is  u, 
brisk  town  with  5,500  inhabitants. 


UNITED    STATES.  153 

WATERTOWN,  on  Rock  river ;  GREEN  BAY,  on  the  Fox  river,  at  the  head  of 
the  Bay  of  this  name  ;  PORTAGE  CITY,  on  the  Wisconsin  river,  at  the  head  of 
navigation ;  and  OSHKOSH  CITY,  are  all  flourishing  places,  with  about  5,000  in- 
habitants each. 

COUNTY  CAPITALS. 

1.  .  .  •  2.  .  .  3.  Varoqua.  4.  Green  Bay.  5.  Holmes' Landing. 
0.  Gordon.  7.  Chippewa  Falls.  8.  Portage  City.  9.  Prairie  du  Chien. 
10.  .  .  .  11.  Chilton.  12.  ...  13.  Madison.  14.  Juneau.  15. 
Colburns.  16.  Gibraltar.  17.  Superior.  18.  ...  19.  Fond  du  Lac. 
20.  Monroe.  21.  Lancaster.  22.  ...  23.  Mineral  Point.  24.  Black 
River  Falls.  25.  Jefferson.  26.  Necada.  27.  Kenosha.  28.  Kewaunee. 
29.  La  Crosse.  30.  Shullsburg.  31.  La  Point.  32.  Manitowoc.  33. 
Marquettc.  34.  Milwaukee.  35.  Sparta.  36.  Wassau.  37.  Appleton. 
38.  Pt,  Washington.  39.  Jones'  Mill.  40.  .  .  .  41.  Prescott.  42. 
Plover.  43.  St.  Croix  Falls.  44.  Richland.  45.  Racine.  4G.  Janesville. 
47.  Shawana.  48.  Hudson.  49.  Baraboo.  50.  Sheboygan.  51.  Gales- 
burg.  52.  Waukesha.  53.  Muckwa.  54.  Sacramento.  55.  Griguons. 
56.  Elkhorn.  57.  West  Bend.  58.  Oshkosh. 

IOWA. 

Area  51,000  square  miles.     Population  675,000. 

Iowa  is  a  young,  thriving  and  fertile  State.  It  was  origin- 
ally included  in  the  Louisiana  purchase,  and  the  State  derives 
its  name  from  the  river  of  its  own  appellation.  The  first  set- 
tlement made  within  its  limits  was  made  in  1785,  by  Julien 
Dubuque,  on  the  locality  where  the  City  of  Dubuque  now 
stands.  Iowa  was  admitted  as  a  member  of  the  Confederacy 
in  1846.  It  is  bounded  north  by  Minnesota,  east  by  Wis- 
consin and  Illinois,  south  by  Missouri,  and  west  by  Nebraska 
and  Dacotah  Territories,  and  it  includes  99  Counties. 

Surface,  &?c. — The  surface  of  Iowa  is  undulating,  and  pre- 
sents an  aspect  of  unrivalled  beauty.  It  contains  no  moun- 
tains, nor  high  hills,  except  some  bluffs  on  the  river  banks. 
The  southern  portion  is  the  most  picturesque;  the  northern  is 
more  elevated,  and  small  hills  are  not  rare.  Its  soil  in  general 
is  very  fertile. 

Hirers. — The  Mississippi  washes  it  on  the  east,  and  the 
Missouri  on  the  west.  The  Des  Moines,  the  Skunk,  the  Iowa, 
and  its  affluent  the  Red  Cedar,  the  Wapsipinicon,  the  Tur- 
key, and  the  Upper  Iowa,  all  flow  easterly  into  the  Mississippi. 
Climate. — The  climate  is  mild  and  vrell  adapted  to  agricul- 
ture. The  winters  are  severe  from  the  prevalence  of  the 
north  winds,  but  the  heat  of  summer  is  greatly  modified  by 
the  continual  motion  of  the  winds.  It  is  considered  one  of 
the  most  healthy  countries  in  the  world. 

p* 


154  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND-BOOK. 

Products. — The  products  are  similar  to  those  of  the  Mid- 
dle States  generally.  Timber  is  scarce  in  the  northern  parts, 
but  in  the  south,  and  along  the  rivers,  it  is  well  wooded. 

Manufactures. — It  is  not  to  be  expected  that  the  young 
State  of  Iowa  could  have  as  yet  made  much  progress  in  man- 
ufacturing, but  she  is  by  no  means  destitute  of  the  essential 
elements  for  their  establishment,  being  abundantly  supplied 
with  coal  and  water  power.  She  is  already,  to  some  extent, 
engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  iron  and  liquors. 

Education. — The  people  of  Iowa  have  displayed  a  laudable 
desire,  not  to  be  outdone  in  their  efforts  to  advance  the  cause 
of  Common  School  Education.  The  schools  are  supported 
by  the  school  fund,  by  legislative  appropriation,  and  by  dis- 
trict taxation.  Great  quantities  of  land  are  likewise  dedicated 
to  the  use  of  the  school  fund.  The  principal  collegiate  insti- 
tutions are:  Des  Moines  College,  at  Des  Moines,  founded  in 
1852;  the  Baptist  University,  at  Burlington,  1853;  Alexander 
College,  at  Dubuque,  1853 ;  the  Wesleyan  University,  at  Mt. 
Pleasant,  1854;  and  the  State  University,  at  Iowa  City,  1855. 
The  medical  department  of  the  State  University  is  located  at 
Keoknk. 

Minerals. — The  northeast  section  is  a  rich  mineral  region, 
and  some  of  the  most  productive  lead  mines  in  the  union  are 
worked  in  the  vicinity  of  Dubuque.  The  coal  beds  are  con- 
sidered a  permanent  source  of  wealth ;  abundance  of  iron  ore 
is  found  here. 

Government. — The  Governor,  and  Lieutenant  Governor, 
are  chosen  for  two  years.  The  members  of  the  Senate,  num- 
bering 43,  are  elected  for  four  years  each,  and  those  of  the 
House  of  Representatives,  amounting  to  86,  are  elected  for 
half  that  period. 

COUNTIES. 

1 .  Adaiv.  13.  Buena  Vista.  25.  Crawford. 

2.  Adams.  14.  Calhoun.  26.  Dallas. 

3.  Allamakee.  15.  Carroll.  27.  Davis. 

4.  Appanoose.  16.  Cass.  28.  Decatur. 
h.  Audubon.  17.  Cedar.  -  20.  Delaware. 
0.  Benton.  18.  Cerro  Gordo.  30.  Des  Moines. 

7.  Black  Hawk.  19.  Cherokee.  31.  Dickinson. 

8.  Boone.  "20.  Chickasaw.  32.  Dubuque. 

9.  Bremer.  21.  Clarke.  33.  Emmet. 

10.  Butler.  22.  Clay.  34.  Fayette. 

11.  Buchanan.  23.  Clayton.  35.  Floyd. 

12.  Buncombe.  24.  Clinton.  36.  Franklin* 


UNITED   STATES.  155 

37.  Fremont.  58.  Linn.  79.  Poweshiek. 

88.  Greene.  59.  Louisa.  80.  Ringgold. 

39.  Grundy.  60.  Lucas.  81.  Sac. 

40.  Outline.  61.  Madison.  S^.  Scott. 

41.  Hamilton.  61  Mahaska.  83.  Shelby. 

42.  Hancock.  63.  Marion.  84.  Sioux. 

43.  Harrison.  64.  Marshall.  85.  Story. 

44.  Hardin.  65.  Mills.  86.  Tama. 

45.  Henry.  66.  Mitchell.  87.  Taylor. 

46.  Howard.  07.  Monona.  88.  Union. 

47.  Humboldt.  08.  Monroe.  89.  Van  Buren. 

48.  Ida.  69.  Montgomery.  90.  Wapello. 

49.  Iowa.  70.  Muscatine.  91.  Warren. 

50.  Jackson.  71.  O'Brien.  92.  Washington. 

51.  Jasper.  72.  Osceola.  93.  Wayne. 

52.  Jefferson.  73.  Page.  94.  Webster. 

53.  Johnson.  74.  Palo  Alto.  95.  Winnebago. 

54.  Jones.  75.   Plymouth.  96.  Winneshiek. 

55.  Keokuk.  7<">.  Pocahontas.  97.  Woodbury. 
50.  Kossuth.  77.  Polk.  98.  Worth. 
57.  Lee.  78.  Potawatoiuio.  99.  Wright. 

FORT  DBS  MOINES,  now  called  simply  DCS  Moines,  situated 
at  the  junction  of  the  Des  Moines  and  Raccoon  rivers,  is  the 
Capital  of  the  State,  and  a  rapidly  growing  town.  Abundance 
of  timber  is  obtained  in  the  vicinity  and  productive  coal  mines 
have  been  opened.  This  was  for  many  years  a  military  sta- 
tion in  the  midst  of  the  Indian  country,  but  the  fort  was 
abandoned  in  Ib46.  Population  5,000. 

DUBUQUE,  situated  on  the  west  bank  of  the  Mississippi,  op- 
posite the  boundary  line  of  Wisconsin  and  Illinois,  is  the 
largest  City  of  Iowa.  It  is  the  oldest  town  in  the  State, 
having  been  settled  by  the  French  in  1785, but  its  permanent 
settlement  dates  only  from  1833,  when  the  U.  States  Govern- 
ment took  possession  of  the  land  vacated  by  the  Indians. 
This  city  is  admirably  located  for  commerce,  and  at  this  time 
is  the  mart  for  northern  lovya  and  southern  Wisconsin,  and 
bids  even  to  be  the  great  shipping  port  north  of  St.  Louis. 
Establishments  are  already  in  operation  for  the  manufacture 
of  shot,  white  lead,  threshing  machines,  reapers,  steam  en- 
gines, and  mill  machinery.  The  lead  mines  of  Dubuque  are 
an  inexhaustible  source  of  wealth  to  the  city,  and  many  in- 
dividuals have  already  acquired  fortunes  in  thesr,  and  the 
ta^k  of  working  them  is  but  as  yet  commenced.  Zinc  is  also 
mined  here.  Population  14,000. 

DAVENPORT,  built  upon  the  Mississippi,  in  Scott  County, 
opposite  Rock  Island,  Illinois,  with  which  is  united  by  a 


156  GEOGRAPHICAL   HAND  BOOK. 

magnificent  bridge,  is  a  flourishing  town,  carrying  on  a  large 
commerce,  and  has  11,000  inhabitants.  Abundance  of  coal 
is  found  in  the  vicinity.  It  contains  some  fine  educational  in- 
stitutions and  numerous  manufactures.  It  was  organized 
as  a  city  in  1851. 

KEOKUK,  located  on  the  Mississippi,  directly  above  the 
mouth  of  the  Des  Moines  river,  is  the  outlet  for  the  fertile  val- 
ley of  the  Des  Moines.  The  medical  department  of  the  State 
University  is  established  at  this  place.  Several  manufactur- 
ing establishments  are  already  in  active  operation  here. 
Population  8,000. 

BURLINGTON,  likewise  situated  on  the  Mississippi,  in  Des 
Moines  county,  is  one  of  the  most  flourishing  towns  of  Iowa, 
and  the  former  State  Capital.  Population  7,000. 

MUSCATINE,  formerly  called  Bloomington,  one  of  the  most 
commercial  cities  of  the  State,  is  built  upon  the  Mississippi, 
100  miles  above  Keokuk.  Lumber  is  sawed  in  great  quanti- 
ties at  this  place.  Population  6,000. 

IOAVA  CITY,  situated  on  the  west  branch  of  the  Iowa  river,  84  miles  from 
its  confluence  with  the  Mississippi,  is  a  place  of  important  manufactures. 
There  are  excellent  marble  quarries  in  the  vicinity.  It  contains  the  State 
Asylum  for  the  Deaf,  Dumb  and  Blind.  Population  6,000. 

FORT  MADISON,  in  Lee  county,  on  the  Mississippi,  is  a  place  of  much  trade 
and  manufactures.  It  is  the  seat  of  the  State  Penitentiary.  Population 
5,000. 

COUNTY  CAPITALS. 

1.  Somerset.     2.  Quincy.     3.  Columbus.     4.  Centreville.     5.     ... 
6.    Vinton.     7.    Cedar  Falls.     8.    Booneville.     9.    Waverly.     10.    Clarks- 
ville.     11.  Independence.     12.     ...     13.     .  ^     .     14.  Brooklyn.     15. 

Carrollton.     16.    Lewis.     17.    Tipton.     18 19.     ...     20. 

Chickasaw.     21.    Osceola.     22.     ...     23.    Garnavil!o.     24.    De  Witt. 
25.     ...     26.  Adell.     27.  Bloomfield.     28.    Independence.     29.  Delhi. 

30.    Burlington.     31.     ...     32.    Dubuque.     33 34.  West 

Union.     35.     ...     36.     ...     37.  Sidney.     38.  Jefferson.     39.     . 

.  40.  Panola.  41.  Homer.  42.  ...  43.  Magnolia.  44.  Eldora. 
45.  Mt.  Pleasant.  46.  Vernon  Springs.  47.  ...  48.  New  Ida.  49. 
Marengo.  50.  Bellevue.  51.  Newton.  52.  Fairfield.  53.  Iowa  City. 
54.  Anamosa.  55  Lancaster.  56.  Algona.  57.  Fort  Madison.  58. 
Marion.  59.  Wapello.  60.  Chariton.  61.  Winterset.  62.  Oskaloosa. 
63.  Knoxville.  6i.  Marietta.  65.  Glenwood.  66.  ...  67.  Ashton. 
(58.  Albia.  69.  Frankford.  70.  Muscatine.  71.  ...  72.  ... 
73.  Clarinda.  74.  ...  75,  ...  76.  ...  77.  Des  Moines. 
78.  Council  Bluffs.  79.  Montezuma.  80.  Ait.  Ayr.  81.  New  Munich 
82.  Davenport.  13.  Shelby ville.  84.  .  .  •  85.  Nevada.  86.  Toledo. 
87.  Bedford.  88.  Afton.  89.  Keosauque.  90.  Ottumwa.  91.  Indianola. 
92.  Washington.  93.  Springfield.  94.  Fort  Dodge.  95.  ...  96, 
Decorah.  97.  Sioux  City"  98.  ...  99.  Ontario. 


UNITED    STATES.  15 1 

MISSOURI. 

Area  67,000  square  miles.  Population,  182,000.  Slaves, 
115,000. 

Missouri  is  a  large  and  interesting  State.  It  originally 
formed  part  of  the  great  territory  of  Louisiana,  acquired  dur- 
ing the  administration  of  Thomas  Jefferson.  Some  settlements 
had  been  made  by  the  French  at  St.  Genevieve,  and  other 
places,  in  1764,  but  the  number  of  inhabitants  were  few  until 
after  its  acquisition  by  the  United  States  government.  It  was 
the  admission  of  this  State  into  the  Union  in  1821  which  led 
to  the  stormy  debates  in  Congress,  that  resulted  in  the  adop- 
tion of  the  Missouri  compromise  line  of  36°  30',  which  was 
then  regarded  as  a  finality  upon  the  slavery  question.  Later 
counselors,  however,  determined  otherwise. 

The  State  is  bounded  north  by  Iowa,  east  by  Illinois  and 
Kentucky,  south  by  Arkansas,  and  west  by  Kansas  and  the 
Indian  and  Nebraska  territories.  It  contains  114  counties. 

Surface,  fyc. — The  Ozark  mountains  stretch  across  the 
southern  part  of  this  State  in  a  southwesterly  direction ;  none 
of  their  summits,  however,  attain  an  elevation  of  over  2,000 
feet.  The  soil  of  Missouri  is  generally  fertile,  and  a  great  por- 
tion of  it  is  highly  so.  A  large  part  of  the  State  is  prairie  land. 

Rivers. — The  Mississippi  forms  its  eastern  boundary  for  a 
distance  of  450  miles.  The  Missouri,  its  great  affluent,  flows 
through  the  centre  of  the  State  a  distance  of  370  miles.  After 
rising  in  the  Rocky  Mountains,  it  receives  numerous  tributa- 
ries, and  reaches  the  Mississippi  in  a  course  of  somewhat 
more  than  3,200  miles.  One  of  its  tributaries,  the  Osage,  is 
a  fine  navigable  stream,  having  a  length  of  800  miles.  The 
other  considerable  tributaries  of  the  Missouri  are  Grand  river, 
the  Chariton  and  the  Gasconade;  and  of  the  Mississippi,  the 
Maramec  and  Salt  rivers. 

Climate. — Great  extremes  of  temperature  are  experienced 
in  this  State.  The  summers  are  very  hot,  and  the  winters 
often  so  cold  that  the  Missouri  river  is  frozen  over  for  weeks, 
so  as  to  permit  loaded  wagons  to  cross  upon  the  ice.  The 
atmosphere  of  summer  is,  in  general,  clear  and  dry. 

Products. — Indian  corn,  wheat,  oats,  hemp  and  tobacco 
are  greatly  cultivated,  and  cotton  is  produced  in  the  south. 
Missouri  is  a  fine  grazing  state,  and  vast  herds  of  horses, 
cattle  and  hogs  are  raised  here. 


158  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND-BOOK. 

Minerals. — In  the  variety  and  abundance  of  its  mineral 
resources,  this  State  is  unsurpassed.  The  immense  mines  of 
iron  found  in  Pilot  Knob  and  Iron  Mountain,  are  perhaps 
unrivalled  upon  the  globe  for  purity  and  productiveness.  The 
amount  of  lead  found  in  this  State  is  also  immense,  especially 
in  Washington  and  Jefferson  counties.  In  addition  to  the 
inexhaustible  deposits  of  iron  and  lead,  its  mineral  treasures 
contain  abundance  of  copper,  zinc  and  coal;  and  salt  is  to 
some  extent  made  here. 

Manufactures. — Missouri  has  not  yet  engaged  herself  large- 
ly in  manufacturing  industry,  as  the  people  have  hitherto, 
owing  to  the  fertility  of  her  soil  found^more  profitable  em- 
ployment in  agricultural  pursuits.  A  number  of  the  citizens 
of  this  State,  however,  are  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  iron, 
flour,  lumber,  wine,  whiskey  and  leather. 

Education. — A  school  system  has  indeed  been  established 
in  this  State,  yet  she  is  not  so  zealous  in  its  support  as  some  of 
the  other  western  States,  sympathizing  no  doubt  in  this  respect, 
to  a  certain  degree,  with  the  views  of  the  people  of  the  south- 
ern States,  who  have  been  unwilling  to  adopt  the  plan  of 
Massachusetts.  Her  people  have,  on  the  contrary,  shown 
considerable  zeal  in  the  establishment  of  colleges.  She  num- 
bers the  following  institutions  of  this  class:  St.  Louis  Uni- 
versity, at  St.  Louis,  founded  in  1832  ;  St.  Vincent's  College, 
at  Cape  Girardeau,  in  1843;  the  Masonic  College,  at  Lexing- 
ton, in  1844;  the  University  of  the  State  of  Missouri,  at  Col- 
umbia, in  1839;  and  St.  Charles  College,  at  St.  Charles,  in 
1837. 

Government. — The  Constitution,  adopted  in  1820,  estab- 
lished a  General  Assembly,  composed  of  a  Senate  of  18,  and 
a  House  of  Representatives  of  49  members.  The  members 
of  the  former  are  elected  for  four  years,  and  those  of  the  lat- 
ter, biennially.  The  General  Assembly  meets  on  the  first 
Monday  of  December,  in  alternate  years.  The  Governor 
and  Lieutenant  Governor  are  chosen  by  popular  vote  for 
four  years. 

Inhabitants. — Although  this  State  was  originally  settled  by 
the  French,  not  one-third  of  one  per  cent,  of  the  present  pop- 
ulation are  of  this  descent. 


UNITED     STATES. 


159 


1.  Adair. 

2.  Andrew. 

3.  Atchinson. 

4.  Audrain. 

5.  Barry. 
0.  Barton. 

7.  Bates. 

8.  Benton. 

9.  Bellinger. 

10.  Boone. 

11.  Buchanan. 

12.  Butler. 

13.  Caldwell. 

14.  Callawaj. 

15.  Camden. 

16.  Cape  Girardeau. 

17.  Carter. 

18.  Carroll. 

19.  Cass. 

20.  Cedar. 

21.  Chariton. 

22.  Christian. 

23.  Clark. 

24.  Clay. 

25.  Clinton. 

26.  Cole. 

27.  Cooper. 

28.  Crawford. 

29.  Dade. 

30.  Dallas. 

31.  Daviess. 

32.  DeKalb. 

33.  Dent. 

34.  Dodge. 

35.  Douglas. 

36.  Dunklin. 
Ji7.   Franklin. 
38.  Gasconade. 


COUNTIES. 

39.  Gentry. 

40.  Greene. 

41.  Grundy. 

42.  Harrison. 

43.  Henry. 

44.  Hickory. 

45.  Holt. 

46.  Howard. 

47.  Howell. 

48.  Iron. 

49.  Jackson. 

50.  Jasper. 

51.  Jefferson. 

52.  Johnson. 

53.  Knox. 

54.  Laclede. 

55.  Lafayette. 

56.  Lawrence. 

57.  Lewis. 
68.  Lincoln. 
5(J.  Linn. 

60.  Livingston. 

61.  McDonald. 

62.  Macon. 

63.  Madison. 

64.  Marais. 

65.  Marion. 

66.  Mercer. 

67.  Miller. 

68.  Mississippi. 

69.  Moniteau. 

70.  Monroe. 

71.  Montgomery. 

72.  Morgan. 

73.  New  Madrid. 

74.  Newton. 

75.  Nodaway. 

76.  Oregon. 


77.  Osage. 

78.  Ozark. 

79.  Pemiscot. 

80.  Perry. 

81.  Pettis. 

82.  Phelps. 

83.  Pike. 

84.  Platte. 

85.  Polk. 

86.  Pulaski. 

87.  Putnam. 

88.  Rails. 

89.  Randolph. 

90.  Ray. 

91.  Reynolds. 

92.  Ripley. 

93.  St.  Charles. 

94.  St.  Clair. 

95.  St.  Francois. 

96.  St.  Genevieve. 

97.  St.  Louis. 

98.  Saline. 

99.  Schuyler. 

100.  Scotland. 

101.  Scott. 

102.  Shannon. 

103.  Shelby. 

104.  Stoddard. 

105.  Stone. 

106.  Sullivan. 

107.  Taney. 

108.  Texas. 

109.  Wernon. 

110.  Warren. 

111.  Washington. 

112.  Wayne. 

113.  Webster. 

114.  Wright. 


ST.  Louis,  situated  on  the  right  bank  of  the  Mississippi 
river,  20  miles  below  the  entrance  of  the  Missouri,  is  the 
largest  city  of  the  State,  and  the  commercial  metropolis  of  the 
central  Mississippi  valley.  It  is  well  laid  out  with  streets, 
usually  60  feet  wide,  and  intersecting  each  other  at  right  angles. 
Most  of  the  public  edifices  and  private  residences  are  hand- 
some, and  built  of  brick  and  stone.  The  principal  public 
edifices  are  the  city  hall,  the  court  house,  the  new  custom 
house,  the  United  States  arsenal,  and  the  merchants'  ex- 
change. The  court  house  is  a  handsome  structure^built  of 


160  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND   BOOK. 

Genevieve  limestone,  and  occupies  an  entire  square.  Its 
style  resembles  somewhat  the  great  Federal  Capitol,  and  por- 
ticoes adorn  the  fronts,  and  in  the  interior  is  a  rotunda,  light- 
ed from  the  dome.  It  cost  $500,000.  Numerous  benevolent 
and  charitable  institutions  have  been  established  in  this  city. 
Its  school  system  has  for  many  years  enjoyed  a  high  reputa- 
tion. Several  parks  adorn  this  city;  the  largest  of  which, 
called  the  fair  grounds,  comprise  about  50  acres.  There  are 
many  cemeteries  in  and  around  St.  Louis,  some  of  which  are 
from  six  to  eight  miles  distant.  The  manufactures  of  the  city 
are  immense.  The  flouring  mills  ol  this  place  have  long  en- 
joyed a  high  reputation,  and  many  large  sugar  refineries  are 
in  constant  operation.  The  manufacturing  of  hemp  into  bale- 
rope  and  bagging,  the  distillation  of  whiskey,  and  the  manu- 
facture of  tobacco,  are  great  subjects  of  industry.  A  large 
capital  is  invested  in  the  packing  of  pork  and  beef,  but  the 
working  of  iron  surpasses  all  other  branches  of  manufacture. 
St.  Louis  has  become  the  great  entrepot  of  trade,  not  only  for 
Missouri,  but  for  several  of  the  adjacent  States.  Population 
160,000. 

JEFFERSON  CITY,  the  capital  of  the  State, built  upon  the  south 
bank  of  the  Missouri,  143  miles  from  its  mouth,  has  about 
5,000  inhabitants.  It  is  situated  on  high  and  uneven  ground, 
and  commands  a  fine  view  of  the  beautiful  scenery  upon  the 
river.  The  principal  buildings  are  the  State  House,  a  hand- 
some stone  edifice,  the  Governor's  residence,  and  the  Peni- 
tentiary. A  great  impetus  has  recently  been  given  to  this 
city  in  the  construction  of  the  Pacific  Railroad. 

ST.  JOSEPH,  situated  on  the  Missouri  river,  390  miles  above 
Jefferson  City,  is  the  most  populous  and  commercial  town  in 
the  western  part  of  the  State.  It  is  one  of  the  chief  points  of 
departure  for  the  emigrant  trains,  and  the  overland  mail  to 
Colorado,  Utah,  Nevada  and  California.  Steam  flouring  and 
saw  mills,  and  bagging  manufactories,  are  established  here. 
St.  Joseph  was  chartered  as  a  City  in  1857.  Population  9,000. 

HANNIBAL,  located  on  the  Mississippi,  15  miles  below 
Quincy,  Illinois,  and  153  miles  above  St.  Louis,  is  a  large 
shipping  port,  and  the  eastern  terminus  of  the  Hannibal  and 
St.  Joseph  Rail  Road.  It  is  favorably  situated  for  commerce 
and  contains  several  large^tobacco  manufactories,  hemp  press- 
es, flour  mills,  and  machine  shops.  Population  7,000. 


UNITED    STATES.  161 

LEXINGTON,  is  a  flourishing  town  of  Lafayette  county,  built  upon  the 
Missouri  river,  120  miles  west  of  the  State  capital.  Extensive  beds  of  coal 
are  found  in  the  vicinity.  It  has  an  active  trade.  Population  6,000. 

WESTON,  in  Platte  county,  situated  on  the  Missouri  river,  is  one  of  the 
most  thriving  and  commercial  towns  in  the  State,  with  5,000  inhabitants. 

ST.  CHARLES,  on  the  Missouri  river,  22  miles  from  its  mouth,  is  a  noted 
steamboat  station.  Population  4,000. 

COUNTY    CAPITALS. 

1.  Kirksville.  2.  Savannah.  3.  Linden.  4.  Mexico.  5.  CassvilK 
G.  Lamar.  7.  Papinsville.  8.  Warsaw.  9.  Green.  10.  Columbia.  11. 
St.  Joseph.  12.  Cave  Creek.  13.  Kingston.  14.  Fulton.  15.  Erie.  16. 
Jackson.  17.  ...  18.  Carrolton.  19.  Harrisonville.  20.  Fremont. 
21.  Keytesville.  22.  ...  2-3.  Alexandria.  24.  Liberty.  2-3.  Platts- 
burg.  26.  JEFFERSON  CITY.  27.  Boonevillc.  28.  Steelsville.  29.  Deer- 
field.  30.  Buffalo.  31.  Gallatin.  32.  Maysville.  33.  Montank.  34. 
Butler.  35.  .  .  36.  Kennet.  37.  Union.  38.  Hermann.  39.  Gentry 
Court  House.  40.  Springfield.  41.  Trenton.  42.  Bethany.  43.  Clinton. 
44.  Hermitage.  45.  Oregon.  46.  Fayette.  47.  ...  48.  ... 
49.  Independence.  50.  Carthage.  51.  Hillsborough.  52.  Warrensburg. 
53.  Edina.  54.  Lebanon.  55.  Lexington.  56.  Mount  Vernon.  57.  Mon- 
ticello.  58.  Troy.  59.  Linnwus.  60.  Chillicothe.  61.  Rutledge.  62. 

Bloomington.       G3.    Fredericktown.      64 65.    Palmyra.     66. 

Princeton.  67.  Tuscumbia.  G8.  Charleston.  69.  California.  70.  Paris. 
71.  Danville.  72.  Versailles.  73.  New  Madrid.  74.  Neosko.  75.J[Mary- 
ville.  76.  Thomasville.  77.  Linn.  78.  Rockbridge.  79.  Gayoso.  80. 

Perry ville.     81.    Georgetown.     82 83.    Bowling  Green.     84. 

Platte  City.  85.  Bolivar.  86.  Waynesville.  87.  Putnamville.  88.  New 
London.  89.  Huntsville.  90.  Richmond.  91.  Lesterville.  92.  Doniphan. 
93.  St.  Charles.  94.  Osceola.  95.  Farmington.  96.  St.  Genevieve.  97. 
St.  Louis.  98.  Marshall.  99.  Lancaster.  100.  Memphis.  101.  Benton. 
102.  Eminence.  103.  Shelbyville.  104.  Bloomfield.  105.  Galena.  106. 
Milan.  107.  Forsyth.  108.  Houston.  109.  Nevada.  110.  Warrenton. 
111.  Potosi.  112.  Greenville.  113.  Marshfield.  114.  Hartville. 


C/LIFORNIA. 

Area,  155,000  square  miles.     Population  380,000. 

California,  the  American  Ophir,  came  into  the  possession 
of  the  United  States,  by  treaty  with  Mexico,  after  the  conclu- 
sion of  the  war  between  the  two  countries.  The  gold  disco- 
veries soon  attracted  multitudes  to  its  auriferous  deposits,  and 
swelled  the  population  to  a  sufficient  amount  to  enable  it  to 
gain  admission  in  1850  as  a  sovereign  State  of  the  confeder- 
acy. Since  this  time  its  advancement  in  wealth  and  popu- 
lation has  been  very  rapid. 

It  is  bounded  north  by  Oregon,  east  by  the  territories  of 
Nevada  and  New  Mexico,  south  by  Lower  California,  and 
west  by  the  Pacific,  and  it  comprises  45  counties. 


162  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND-BOOK. 

Surface,  fyc. — There  are  two  ranges  of  mountains  in  Cali- 
fornia, running  nearly  parallel,  called  the  Sierra  Nevada,  and 
the  coast  range.  These  ranges  are  connected  by  Mount  San 
Bernardino,  having  an  elevation  of  17,000  feet.  Between 
these  two  ranges  of  mountains  lies  the  great  valley  of  the 
Sacramento  and  the  San  Joaquin,  500  miles  long  and  from 
50  to  60  wide.  Along  the  rivers  of  this  valley  the  soil  is  ex- 
tremely fertile.  East  of  the  Sierra  it  is  mostly  sandy  and  bar- 
ren, but  well  adapted  for  grazing  grounds. 

Rivers. — The  Sacramento  and  the  San  Joaquin  are  the 
most  important  rivers  of  California,  the  former  rising  in  Mt. 
Shasta,  and  the  latter  in  the  Tulare  lakes  on  the  south,  and 
after  uniting  they  empty  through  the  Suisan  I&y  into  that 
of  San  Francisco.  The  Sacramento  has  a  length  of  370  miles, 
and  the  San  Joaquin  350.  Their  chief  affluents,  the  Feather 
(with  its  tributaries)  and  the  American,  flow  into  the  former, 
and  the  Calaveras,  the  Stanislaus,  and  the  Tuolomne,  into 
the  latter.  The  Klamath,  the  Eel,  and  the  Salinos,  or  Buen- 
aventura, all  flow  into  the  Pacific,  and  the  Colorado  forms 
part  of  the  southeastern  boundary. 

Climate. — California  has  a  peculiar  and  varied  climate, 
owing  to  its  great  extent.  It  differs  very  greatly  from  that  of 
the  Atlantic  slope,  or  probably  of  any  other  country  in  the 
world.  The  winters  are  comparatively  warm,  and  the  rains, 
which  are  confined  to  winter,  are  not  half  so  abundant  as  in  the 
Atlantic  States.  The  sky  is  clear  the  great  part  of  the  year, 
and  hail  storms  occur  in  February  and  March,  but  never  in 
summer.  The  nights  are  cold  even  in  mid-summer,  and  the 
difference  in  temperature  along  the  coast  between  winter  and 
summer  is  not  great.  A  wet  and  dry  season  alternate  in  this 
State. 

Products. — The  soil  of  the  rich  valleys  and  along  the  coast 
produces  in  abundance  nearly  all  the  fruits  and  cereals  of  the 
temperate  zones ;  and  in  the  southern  districts  the  most  valu- 
able products  of  the  tropics  are  cultivated  with  success.  The 
cultivation,  of  cotton,  tobacco  and  sugar  cane,  has  been  suc- 
cessful. The  growing  of  the  grape  and  manufacture  of  wine 
are  becoming  a  leading  object  of  industry.  Trees  of  a  re- 
markable growth  are  found  here  in  groves,  many  of  which 
have  a  height  of  from  300  to  400  feet,  and  from  25  to  34  in 
diameter. 

Minerals. — California  is  noted  for  its  inexhaustible  mines 


UNITED    STATES.  163 

of  gold.  Besides  this,  quicksilver,  silver,  copper,  iron,  platinum, 
lead  and  granite  are  found. 

Manufactures. — Manufactures  have  sprung  up  rapidly  in 
this  State,  designed  as  yet  merely  to  supply  the  most  press- 
ing local  wants;  and  some  of  these  have  been  prosecuted 
with  great  vigor  and  energy.  Already  numerous  grist  mills 
are  established  for  the  manufacture  of  flour  for  home  con- 
sumption. Saw  mills,  iron  founderies,  machine  shops,  tan- 
neries, and  distilleries,  are  established  in  this  golden  State  of 
the  Pacific. 

Education. — Liberal  provisions  have  been  made  here  for 
the  education  of  the  masses;  but  as  yet  the  number  of  pupils 
is  comparatively  small  in  proportion  to  the  population.  Nearly 
seven  million  acres  of  land  have  been  granted  for  educational 
purposes.  In  addiuon  to  the  landed  school  fund,  the  several 
counties  are  authorized  to  levy  a  special  tax  for  the  support  of 
schools.  Santa  Clara,  near  San  Jose,  founded  in  1855,  is  the 
only  collegiate,  institution  of  California. 

Curiosities. — The  most  remarkable  of  the  natural  curiosities 
of  this  State,  is  the  Yosemite  valley,  or  dell,  which  possesses 
scenery  unrivaled  for  wild  and  romantic  beauty  and  sublime 
grandeur.  It  is  10  miles  long  and  three  wide,  and  is  bounded 
by  walls  of  granite  from  2,000  to  4,500  feet  high,  and  has  five 
cascades,  ranging  from  350  to  2,000  feet  in  height.  The  gey- 
sers of  Napa  county,  the  two  natural  bridges  of  Calaveras 
county,  and  the  Chyote  cave  in  the  same  locality,  are  also  ob- 
jects of  considerable  interest. 

Government. — The  Govenor  and  Lieutenant  Govenor  are 
each  chosen  for  a  term  of  two  years.  The  Legislature  is 
composed  of  a  Senate  elected  for  two  years,  and  a  House  of 
Representatives  elected  annually.  The  former  consists  of  33, 
and  the  latter  of  80  members.  The  General  Assembly  meets 
on  the  first  Monday  of  June  in  each  year. 

Inhabitants. — No  State  in  the  Union — and  perhaps  no 
country  on  earth — contains  so  mixed  a  population  as  Cali- 
fornia, where  adventurers  from  all  nations  are  found.  Be- 
sides emigrants  from  the  older  States,  the  foreign  population 
is  composed  principally  of  Chinese,  French,  Spaniards,  Ger- 
mans and  Irish, 


164 


GEOGRAPHICAL    HAND   BOOK. 


1.  Alameda. 

2.  Amador. 

8.  Buena  Vista. 

4.  Butte. 

5.  Calaveras. 
P.  Colusi. 

7.  Contra  Costa. 

8.  Del  Norte. 

9.  El  Dorado. 

10.  Frezno. 

11.  Humboldt. 

12.  Klamath. 

13.  Los  Angelos. 

14.  Marin. 

15.  Mariposa. 


COUNTIES. 

16.  Mendocino. 

17.  Merced. 

18.  Monterey. 

19.  Napa. 

20.  Nevada. 

21.  Placer. 

22.  Plumas. 

23.  Sacramento. 

24.  San  Bernardino. 

25.  San  Diego. 

26.  San  Francisco. 

27.  San  Joaquin. 

28.  San  Luis  Obispo. 

29.  San  Mateo. 
80.  Santa  Barbara. 


31.  Santa  Clara. 

82.  Santa  Cruz. 

83.  Shasta. 

34.  Sierra. 

35.  Siskiyou. 

36.  Solano. 

37.  Sonoma. 

38.  Stanislaus. 

39.  Sutter. 

40.  Tehama, 

41.  Trinity. 

42.  Tulare. 

43.  Tuolumne. 

44.  Yolo. 

45.  Yuba. 


SAN  FRANCISCO,  the  largest  city  of  California,  and  the  chief 
emporium  on  the  Pacific  coast,  is  situated  on  a  narrow  point 
of  land  between  the  bay  of  San  Francisco  and  the  ocean.  It 
is  regularly  laid  out,  with  steeets  crossing  each  other  at  right 
angles.  On  account  of  the  frequent  conflagrations  by  which 
this  city  has  at  different  times  been  visited,  brick  and  iron 
are  in  a  great  measure  becoming  the  materials  used  in  the 
construction  of  houses,  and  it  now  contains  many  fire-proof 
stores  and  banking  establishments.  The  public  buildings  of 
this  city  worthy  of  special  notice,  are  the  United  States  Cus- 
tom house,  the  mint,  the  marine  hospital,  the  city  hall,  three 
theatres,  and  two  orphan  asylums.  The  metropolitan  theatre 
is  one  of  the  largest  and  most  handsome  structures  of  the  kind 
in  the  whole  country.  One  of  the  great  ornaments  of  the  city 
is  the  Plaza,  275  feet  square,  surrounded  by  an  iron  fence, 
and  covered  with  grass  plots,  with  a  fountain  in  the  centre. 
The  chief  business  of  San  Francisco  is  as  yet  commercial.  It 
has  exhibited  an  astonishing  growth  from  a  small  village  in 
1844,  until  this  city  now  ranks  as  one  of  the  great  business 
centres  of  the  world.  Its  exports  consists  chiefly  of  gold  dust 
and  quicksilver,  and  it  is  connected  with  New  York  and  the 
Crescent  city  by  steamers.  Population  57,000. 

SACRAMENTO,  the  capital,  situated  on  the  left  bank  of  the  river 
of  that  name,  below  its  confluence  with  the  American  river,  is 
the  capital  of  California,  and  the  second  city  in  importance.  Its 
streets  are  strait  and  capacious,  crossing  at  right  angles.  The 
storehouses  are  usually  constructed  of  brick,  whilst  the  shops 


UNITED  STATES.  165 

and  private  dwellings  are  generally  built  of  wood  and  are  sur- 
rounded by  gardens.  The  only  edifice  of  any  importance  is 
the  State  Capitol.  This  city  is  chiefly  supported  by  the  Sac- 
ramento valley,  which  obtains  all  its  supplies  and  exports  its 
produce  to  this  place.  The  first  settlement  made  upon  the 
site  of  the  city,  was  made  in  1839  by  a  native  of  Switzerland. 
In  November,  1852,  a  severe  conflagration  visited  this  place, 
causing  great  loss  of  property.  Population  15,000. 

MARYSVILLE,  built  upon  the  river  Yuba,  near  its  confluence 
with  Feather  river,  is  a  brisk  town,  deriving  its  chief  import- 
ance from  its  location,  which  commands  the  trade  of  the  nor- 
thern mines,  on  the  Feather  river  and  its  branches.  Popula- 
tion 10,000. 

STOCKTON,  in  San  Joaquin  county,  about  3  miles  distant 
from  the  river  so  named,  is  the  chief  depot  of  the  southern 
mines.  Population  12,000. 

NEVADA,  on  Deer  Creek,  a  confluent  of  the  Yuba,  in  the  county  of  this 
name,  is  the  largest  town  in  the  gold  mining  region.  Population  6,000. 

Los  ANGBLOS,  in  the  county  of  the  same  name,  is  the  largest  town  in  the 
southern  part  of  the  State.  It  is  named  Los  Angelos — City  of  Angels — from 
its  delightful  climate  and  the  beauty  of  the  surrounding  country. 

SAN  JOSE,  in  Santa  Clara  county,  eight  miles  above  the  head  of  the  San 
Francisco  bay,  and  50  miles  from  San  Francisco,  is  a  handsome  town. 

COUNTY  CAPITALS. 

1.  Alvarado.  2.  Jackson.  0.  ...  4.  Hamilton.  5.  Double  Springs. 
6.  Monroeville.  7.  Martinez.  8.  Crescent  City.  9.  Coloma.  10.  Miller- 
ton.  11.  Humboldt  City.  12.  Trinidad.  13.  Los  Angelos.  13.  San  lla- 
phael.  15.  Mariposa.  16.  Mendocino.  17.  .  .  .  18.  Monterey.  10. 
Napa  City.  20.  Nevada  City.  21.  Vernon.  22.  ...  23.  Sacramen- 
to City.  24.  ...  25.  San  Diego.  26.  San  Francisco.  27.  Stockton. 
28.  San  Luis  Obispo.  29.  ...  30.  Santa  Barbara.  31.  San  Jose.  32. 
Santa  Cruz.  33.  Shasta.  34.  Downieville.  35.  Yreka.  36.  Benicia.  37. 
Sonoma.  38.  Tuolomne  City.  39.  ...  40.  Tehama.  41.  .  .  . 
42.  ...  43.  Sonora.  44.  Fremont.  45.  Marysville. 

MINNESOTA. 

Area,  81,000  square  miles.     Population  172,000. 

Minnesota  is  one  of  the  most  northern  and  lately  admitted 
States  of  the  American  Union.  It  became  a  sovereign  State 
in  1858. 

It  is  bounded  north  by  British  America,  east  by  Lakes 
Superior  and  Wisconsin,  south  by  Iowa,  and  west  by  Daco- 
tah  territory,  arid  it  is  divided  at  present  into  70  counties. 

Surface,  $c. — The  suface  of  Minnesota  is,  in  general,  tin- 


166  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

dulating,  having  an  average  elevation  of  1,000  feet,  and  it 
presents  a  succession  of  rolling  prairies,  interspersed  with 
lakes  and  groves.  The  soil  is  composed  of  a  dark  calcareous 
loam,  and  is  very  fertile,  the  larger  portion  of  it  being  well 
adapted  to  the  cultivation  of  all  the  cereals  of  the  temperate 
zone. 

Rivers. — The  mighty  Mississippi  rises  here  in  Itaska  lake, 
and  flows  a  distance  of  800  miles  within  the  limits  of  Min- 
nesota. Its  greatest  affluents  are  the  Minnesota  and  the  St. 
Croix.  The  Red  river  flows  along  the  western  border,  and 
thence  passes  into  lake  Winnipeg. 

Lakes. — Minnesota  seems  better  entitled  to  the  appellation 
of  the  Lake  State  than  Michigan.  The  largest  of  these  numer- 
ous receptacles  of  the  watery  element,  besides  lake  Superior, 
are  the  lake  of  the  Woods,  Red  lake,  Leech,  MilleLacs,  Ot- 
ter Tail,  and  a  multitude  of  smaller  ones. 

Climate. — The  climate  is  severe,  especially  in  the  northern 
part,  where  the  cold  is  sometimes  so  intense  as  to  freeze 
mercury.  In  some  parts  of  Minnesota  the  cold  is  too  great 
for  Indian  corn,  but  its  dryness  and  regularity  favor  the 
growth  of  wheat  and  other  winter  grains.  The  summers  are 
warm,  with  breezy  nights. 

Products. — The  products  of  Minnesota  are,  in  general,  sim- 
ilar to  those  of  the  other  north-western  States.  Wild  rice, 
strawberries,  currants,  plums,  cranberries,  grapes,  and  crab 
apples  are  indigenous  to  the  soil. 

Manufactures. — Great  facilities  exist  in  the  numerous  ri- 
vers of  Minnesota,  with  their  falls,  for  manufacturing  estab- 
lishments. Yet  the  State  is  too  recently  settled  to  have  en- 
gaged in  this  species  of  industry.  The  capabilities  of  the 
falls  of  St.  Anthony  for  manufacturing  purposes,  are  said  to 
far  transcend  those  of  Lowell,  in  Massachusetts.  Numerous 
saw  mills  have  already  been  established,  and  these  constitute 
the  principal  branch  of  manufacture  in  this  State. 

Education. — Already  popular  education  has  received  a 
warm  greeting  from  the  industrious  pioneers  of  this  newly 
admitted  State,  and  the  benefits  sure  to  flow  from  the  adop- 
tion of  the  free  school  system  have  already  displayed  them- 
selves upon  the  body  politic.  As  early  as  1851  the  University 
of  Minnesota  was  incorporated.  It  is  located  at  St.  Anthony. 

Curiosities. — Varied  and  numerous  objects  of  interest  for 
the  romantic  tourist,  are  found  within  the  confines  of  this 


UNITED    STATES. 


cold  State.  The  far-famed  Falls  of  St.  Anthony,  17  feet  high, 
are  less  celebrated  for  their  height  than  for  their  surrounding 
scenery.  Fountain  Cave,  in  the  vicinity  of  St.  Paul,  and  the 
picturesque  grandeur  around  the  Falls  of  the  St.  Croix,  are 
worth  the  traveller's  attention. 

Government. — The  State  Government  was  organized  May 
22d,  1858.  The  Governor  and  Lieutenant  Governor  are 
elected  each  for  the  period  of  two  years.  The  legislature  con- 
sists of  37  Senators,  elected  for  two  years,  and  SO  Represen- 
tatives, elected  for  one  year. 


1.  Anoka. 

2.  Aiken. 

3.  Benton. 

4.  Becker. 

5.  Blue  Earth. 

(j.  Breckinridge. 

7.  Brown. 

8.  Buchanan. 

9.  Cottonwood. 

10.  Carlton. 

11.  Chisago. 

12.  Carver. 

13.  Cass. 

14.  Crow  Wing. 

15.  Davis. 

16.  Dodge. 

17.  Dacotah. 

18.  Douglas. 

19.  Fillmore. 

20.  Freeborn. 

21.  Faribault. 

22.  Goodhuo. 

23.  Hennepin. 

24.  Houston. 


COUNTIES. 

25.  Itaska. 

26.  Isanti. 

27.  Jackson. 

28.  Kanabec. 

29.  Kandiyohi. 

30.  Lake. 

31.  Le  Sucur. 

32.  Maukata. 

33.  Monongolia. 

34.  McLeod. 

35.  Mille  Lacs. 

36.  Manomin. 

37.  Martin. 

38.  Morrison. 

39.  Meeker. 

40.  Mower. 

41.  Murray. 

42.  Nobles. 

43.  Nicolct. 

44.  Olmstead. 

45.  Otter  Tail. 

46.  Pembina. 

47.  Pierce. 


48.  Pine. 

49.  Pipestone. 

50.  Polk. 

51.  Rice. 

52.  Renville. 

53.  Rock. 

54.  Ramsey. 

55.  Slierburne. 

56.  Steele. 

57.  St.  Louis. 

58.  Superior. 

59.  Stearns. 

60.  Scott. 

61.  Siblcy. 
Cli.   To.lci. 

63.  Toombs. 

64.  Waliinota. 

65.  Watomvan. 
6(5.   Waseca. 

07.  Winoiia. 

08.  Washington. 

69.  Wright. 

70.  Wabashaw. 


ST.  PAUL,  the  state  capital,  situated  on  a  bluff  of  the  Mis- 
sissippi, nine  miles  below  the  Falls  of  St.  Anthony,  is  a  flour- 
ishing and  growing  city,  displaying  a  fine  view  from  the 
river.  The  site  of  the  city  is  about  80  feet  above  the  river, 
and  is  partially  encircled  by  low  hills.  The  river  is  navigable 
by  large  steamers  to  this  place.  The  chief  manufactures 
comprise  those  of  flour  and  lumber,  and  a  considerable  fur 
trade  is  carried  on.  Several  fine  educational  institutions  have 
already  been  established  at  this  place.  Population  10,000. 

ST.  ANTHONY,  on  the  Mississippi,  at  the  celebrated  Falls  of 
this  name,  is  a  flourishing  place,  with  3,000  inhabitants. 


168  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK; 

MINNEAPOLIS,  situated  on  the  Mississippi,  opposite  St  An- 
thony, is  a  place  of  brisk  trade  and  2,500  inhabitants. 

COUNTY  CAPITALS. 

1.  Anoka.     2.     ...     3.  Watab.     4.      .     .     5.  Mankato.     6.      .     . 
7.     ...     8.     ...     9.     .     .     10.     ...     11.  Taylors.     12.     .     . 

13.     ...     14.     ...     15 16.  Manterville.     17.  Mendota. 

18.     ...    19.  Preston.     20.  Albert  Lea.     21.  Blue  Earth  Ciiy.     32.  Red 

Wing.     23.  Minneapolis.     24.  Caledonia.     25.     ...     26 

27.     ...     28.     ...     29.     ...     30.  Burlington.      31.  Le  Sueur. 

32.     ...     33.     ...     34.  Glenco3.     85.  MilleLacs.     36 

37.     ...     38.     ...     39.  Forest  City.     40.  Austin.     41.     ... 
42.     ...     43.  St.  Peter.     44.  Rochester.     45.     ...     46.     ... 
47.     ...     48.  Chengwatana.     49.     ...     50.     ...     51.  Faribault. 
52.  New  Ulm.     53.    ...    54.  ST.  PAUL.     55.  Humboldt.     56.  Owatoma. 
57.     ...     58.    ...    59.  St.  Cloud.     60.  Shakopee.     61.  Henderson- 
C2.     .     .     .     63.      •..     64.     ...     65.     ...     66.    Wilton.     67. 
Winona.     68.  Stilbvater.     69.  Monticello.     70.  Wabashaw. 

OKEGON. 

Area,  80,000  square  miles.     Population  53,000. 

Oregon  is  the  most  northwestern  State  of  the  Union,  and  be- 
came, February  14th,  1859,  the  33d  member  of  the  American 
Confederacy.  It  is  bounded  north  by  Washington  Territory, 
east  by  the  same,  south  by  the  Territory  of  Nevada  and  the 
State  of  California,  and  west  by  the  Pacific,  and  it  is  divided 
into  19  counties. 

Surface,  fyc. — Oregon  is  very  mountainous ;  the  Cascade 
Range  contains  several  Volcanic  Peaks,  and  its  lofty  sum- 
mits rise  in  many  places  to  a  towering  height.  Portions  of 
the  State  west  of  the  Cascade  Mountains  are  very  fertile,  es- 
pecially in  the  river  valleys ;  but  the  remainder  is  generally 
unsuited  for  agriculture. 

Rivers. — The  largest  river  of  Oregon  is  the  Columbia,  which 
forms  part  of  its  northern  boundary,  and  flows  west  into  the 
Pacific.  The  Willamette,  the  Fall  River,  and  the  John  Days 
river,  are  tributaries  of,  and  flow  north  into  the  Columbia. 
The  Umpqua,  and  Rogue  rivers  rise  in  the  Cascade  moun- 
tains and  flow  west  into  the  Pacific. 

Climate. — The  climate  of  Oregon  is  much  milder  than 
upon  the  Atlantic  coast.  The  portion  lying  upon  the  coast 
enjoys  a  mild,  and  the  upper  regions  a  rigorous  atmosphere. 
The  climate  of  the  upper  country  is  so  variable  as  to  have 
often  in  each  day  all  the  changes  of  the  seasons. 

Products. — Wheat  is  the  great  staple  of  Oregon.     The  cool 


UNITED  STATES.  ICO 

evenings  and  the  drought  of  summer,  are  unfavorable  for 
corn.  Besides  wheat,  oats,  barley,  turnips,  and  most  of  the 
fruits  and  vegetables  of  the  Middle  States  flourish.  Crab  ap- 
ples, plums,  strawberries,  raspberries,  and  other  berries  are 
indigenous. 

Manufactures. — Every  facility  seerns  combined  in  this 
northwestern  State  for  the  establishment  of  manufactures, 
when  the  time  comes,  which  will  render  them  profitable. 
Her  manufactures  are  as  yet  circumscribed  within  a  very  nar- 
row limit,  embracing  Saw  and  Grist  Mills.  The  only  large  es- 
tablishment in  ihe  State,  is  a  woolen  manufactory  at  Salem. 

Education. — The  people  of  Oregon,  appreciating  the  bene- 
fits of  popular  education,  have  already  hoisted  its  banner 
upon  the  distant  shores  of  the  Pacific.  The  number  of 
common  schools  erected  is  quite  large  in  proportion  to  the 
population  of  the  State,  and  several  academies  are  likewise 
in  successful  operation. 

Curiosities. — The  most  noted  natural  curiosities  of  the 
State,  are  the  rapids  of  the  Columbia  river,  at  the  Cascades 
and  the  Dalles ;  the  falls  of  the  Willamette  river,  at  Oregon 
City ;  the  snow  capped  peaks  of  the  Cascade  range ;  the 
glaciers  of  Mounts  Hood  and  Jefferson  ;  the  large  beds  of  lava 
on  the  slopes  of  the  Cascade  mountains,  and  the  sinking 
rivers  of  the  Great  Basin. 

Government. — The  Governor  is  chosen  for  four  years.  The 
Legislature  is  composed  of  a  Senate  of  16,  and  a  House  of  Re- 
presentatives of  34  members.  The  Senators  are  elected  for 
four  years,  and  the  Representatives  for  two.  The  sessions  of 
the  Legislature  are  held  biennially. 

COUNTIES. 

1.  Benton.  8.  Douglas.  14.  Multnomah. 

2.  Clackamas.  9.  Jackson.  15.  Polk. 

3.  Clark.  10.  Josephine.  16.  Tillamook. 

4.  Clatsop.  11.  Lane.  17.  Umpqua. 

5.  Columbia.  12.  Linn.  18.  Washington. 

6.  Goose.  13.  Marion.  19.  Yamhil. 

7.  Curry. 

PORTLAND,  situated  on  the  Willamette  river,  15  miles  from 
its  mouth,  at  the  head  of  ship  navigation,  is  the  largest  and 
chief  commercial  town  in  the  State.  It  is  surrounded  by  for- 
ests of  tall  spruce,  fir,  and  other  evergreen  trees,  and  is  built 
principally  of  wood.  Population  3,000. 


170  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

SALEM,  on  the  Willamette  river,  80  miles  from  its  mouth, 
is  the  capita],  and  one  of  the  most  flourishing  towns  in  the 
State,  with  2,000  inhabitants. 

OREGON  CITY,  in  Clackamas  county,  also  situated  on  the 
Willamette,  possesses  great  manufacturing  facilities,  on  ac- 
count of  the  immense  hydraulic  power  afforded  by  the  river. 

ASTORIA,  on  the  Columbia  river,  10  miles  from  its  mouth,  was  once  an  im- 
portant depot  of  the  fur  trade,  and  was  named  in  honor  of  John  Jacob  Astor. 
It  contains  a  Custom  House.  This  town  has  been  immortalized  by  Wash- 
ington Irving. 

CORVALLIS,  siuated  20  miles  south  of  Salem,  on  the  west  bank  of  the  Wil- 
lamette river,  is  a  brisk  town,  and  was  once  selected  by  the  Territorial 
Legislature  for  the  capita],  but  the  Federal  Government  refused  to  recog- 
nise it,  as  money  had  already  been  appropriated  for  the  construction  of  the 
Capitol  at  Salem. 

EUGENE  CITY,  also  on  the  Willamette  river  80  miles  south  of  Corvallis,  is 
a  smart  town. 

COUNTY  CAPITALS, 

1.  Corvallis.  2.  Oregon  City.  3.  ...  4.  Astoria.  5.  Milton.  G. 
Empire  City.  7.  ...  8.  Winchester.  9.  ...  10.  Kirbyville. 
11.  Eugene  City.  12.  Albany.  13.  Salem.  14.  Portland.  15.  Cincin- 
nati. 16.  ...  17.  Umpqua  City.  18.  Hillsboro.  19.  ...  20. 
Lafayette. 

KANSAS. 

Area  80,000  square  miles.     Population  107,000. 

Kansas  was  the  34th  and  last  State  admitted  into  the 
Federal  Union,  and  the  question  of  its  admission  was  a 
source  of  great  contention  amongst  the  contending  parties, 
whether  it  should  be  admitted  as  a  free  or  slave  State.  It, 
however,  was  admitted  as  a  free  State.  It  is  bounded  north 
by  Nebraska  territory,  cast  by  Missouri,  south  by  the  Indian 
territory,  and  west  by  Colorado  territory;  and  it  contains  40 
counties. 

Surface,  fyc. — Kansas  exhibits  chiefly  an  undulating  sur- 
face, with  an  occasional  elevation.  The  general  inclination 
of  the  ridges  is  north  and  south.  The  western  portion  of  the 
State  is  the  most  level.  The  soil  of  the  eastern  portion  is 
unrivalled  in  fertility,  and  the  deep  alluvium  of  the  Kansas 
valley  is  very  productive,  but  the  western  is  almost  a  desert. 

Rivers. — The  Missouri  washes  a  part  of  the  eastern  boun- 
dary. The  Kansas  is  the  largest  and  only  navigable  river  in 
the  State,  and  its  chief  affluents  are  the  Big  Blue  river,  the 
Republican  Fork,  the  Salmon  Fork,  and  the  Grand  Saline 


UNITED    STATES.  Ill 

Fork.  In  the  southeast  flows  the  Neosho,  and  in  the  south- 
west rises  the  Arkansas. 

Climate. — The  climate  is  mild  and  agreeable.  The  win- 
ters are  not  long,  but  snow  falls  in  considerable  quantities, 
which,  however,  soon  melts.  But  little  rain  falls  in  midsum- 
mer or  autumn,  and  the  annual  depth  does  not  exceed  thirty 
inches.  During  summer  the  thermometer  sometimes  rises  to 
115°,  but  the  extreme  heat  is  tempered  by  breezes,  and  the 
nights  are  uniformly  cool.  The  State  is  deemed  healthy. 

Products. — All  the  cereal  crops,  fruits  and  garden  vegeta- 
bles, common  to  the  more  eastern  States,  can  be  grown  here. 
Cotton  has  been  raised  in  southern  Kansas.  Buffalo,  elk, 
deer,  antelopes,  prairie  dogs,  squirrels,  grouse  and  wild  turkies 
are  found  here  in  abundance. 

Government. — The  Govenor  of  Kansas  is  elected  for  the 
period  of  two  years  by  popular  vote. 

COUNTIES. 

1.  Allen.  15.  Douglas.  28.  Marshall. 

2.  Anderson.  16.  Franklin.  29.  McGee. 

3.  Atchinson.  17.  Godfrey.  30,  Morris. 

4.  Bourbon.  18.  Greenwood.  31.  Nemaha. 

5.  Breckinridge.  19.  Hunter.  32.  Osage. 

C.  Brown.  20.  Jackson.  33.  Potawatamie. 

7.  Butler.  21.  Jefferson.  34.  Riley. 

8.  Chase.  22.  Johnson.  35.  Shawnee. 

9.  Clay.  23.  Leavenworth.  36.  Wise. 

10.  Coffee.  24.  Linn.  37.  Washington. 

11.  Davis.  25.  Lykens.  38.  Wilson. 

12.  Dickenson.  26.  Madison.  39.  Woodson. 

13.  Doniphan.  27.  Marion.  40.  Wyandott. 

14.  Dorn. 

LEAVENWORTH,  situated  on  the  west  bank  of  the  Missouri 
river,  500  miles  from  its  mouth,  is  the  largest  and  most  com- 
mercial city  of  Kansas,  and  is  surrounded  by  one  of  the 
richest  agricultural  regions  of  the  Missouri  valley.  The 
streets  of  the  city  are  straight,  rectangular  and  lighted 
with  gas.  It  contains  various  kinds  of  manufactures. 
Telegraphic  communication  was  established  with  this  city 
and  the  east  in  1859.  Population  10,000. 

LAWRENCE,  on  the  Kansas  river,  70  miles  from  its  mouth, 
has  numerous  manufacturing  establishments.  A  university 
is  being  erected  here. 


172  GEOGRAPHICAL   HAND  BOOK. 

ATCHINSON,  on  the  Missouri  river,  20  miles  above  Leaven- 
worth,  is  a  growing  town  with  3,000  inhabitants. 

TOPEKA,  is  the  seat  of  government. 

LECOMPTON,  situated  on  the  Kansas  river,  60  miles  from 
its  mouth,  was  the  former  seat  of  government. 

DONIPIIAN,  built  upon  the  Missouri,   four  miles  above  Atchinson,  is  a 
smart  town. 
ELWOOD,  OSSAWATAMIE,  TECUMSEII,  and  TOPEKA,  are  places  of  some  note. 

TERRITORIES. 

The  unsettled  territory  of  the  United  States,  composing 
its  vast  public  domain,  is  subdivided  into  several  distinct 
territories,  and  these  are  subject  to  the  direct  control  of  Con- 
gress, "  to  make  all  needful  rules  and  regulations''  concerning 
their  government.  The  President  of  the  United  States  ap- 
points the  Governor  arid  the  Judicial  officers  of  each  territory, 
and  the  Territorial  Legislatures  are  at  liberty  to  enact  all  laws 
which  do  not  conflict  with  the  authority  of  Congress  and  the 
Federal  Constitution.  The  interpretation  of  the  power  of 
Congress  in  regard  to  territorial  legislation  and  the  subject  of 
the  admission  of  new  States  into  the  Union,  have  been 
fruitful  sources  of  contest  between  Northern  and  Southern 
statesmen,  and  our  present  civil  war  is  mainly  to  be  attributed  to 
the  conflicting  views  upon  these  vexed  questions. 

NEW  MEXICO  WITH  ARIZONA. 

Population  93,500. 

New  Mexico  forms  part  of  the  territory  acquired  from 
Mexico,  and  lies  upon  both  sides  of  the  Rio  Grande.  It  ex- 
hibits in  many  places  a  rugged  .and  mountainous  surface, 
and  the  soil  is  sterile  except  where  it  can  be  irrigated.  The 
Sierra  Madre  is  the  principal  range  of  mountains  in  New 
Mexico.  Its  chief  rivers  are  the  Rio  Grande,  the  Colorado 
and  the  Pecos.  The  only  settled  part  of  this  territory,  is  the 
narrow  valley  of  the  Rio  Grande.  Possessing  no  great  in- 
ducements to  tempt  emigration,  the  inhabitants  are  composed 
chiefly  ot  Meztizoes,  the  descendants  of  whites  and  Indians, 
who  speak  in  general  the  Spanish  language.  It  is  at  this 
time  divided  into  eleven  counties. 

SANTA  FE,  situated  20  miles  east  of  the  Rio  Grande,  is  the 
capital  and  the  great  emporium  of  the  overland  trade  since 
1822.  It  is  built  in  a  wide  plain  surrounded  by  high  moun- 
tains, at  an  elevation  of  7,000  feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea. 


UNITED   STATES.  113 

The  streets  are  irregular  and  narrow,  and  the  houses  are 
mostly  built  of  adobes.  It  was  taken  by  Gen.  Kearney  in 
September,  1S4G.  Population  4,600. 

The  other  towns  on  the  Rio  Grande,  are  TOME,  SOCORRO 
and  ALBUQUERQUE. 

UTAH  TERRITORY. 

Population  24,000. 

Utah  lies  wholy  in  the  interior,  north  of  New  Mexico  and 
between  Colorado  on  the  east  and  Nevada  on  the  west.  A 
large  part  of  the  territory  is  occupied  by  "the  Great  Interior 
Basin,"  a  dreary  inhospitable  desert,  1,500  miles  in  circuit. 
The  32d  meridian  from  Washington,  is  the  eastern  boundary 
of  Utah.  The  chief  range  of  mountains  is  the  Wahsatch ; 
and  the  Grand  and  Green  rivers,  branches  of  the  Colorado, 
are  the  principal  streams.  Great  Salt  Lake  has  a  circuit  of 
180  miles,  and  its  water  is  salter  than  that  of  the  ocean. 
This  territory  is  divided  into  fourteen  counties.  The  inhabi- 
tants are  chiefly  Mormons. 

SALT  LAKE  CITY,  situated  on  the  river  Jordan,  which 
unites  Great  Salt  Lake  with  Utah  Lake,  is  the  capital.  This 
city  was  founded  in  1847,  by  143  Mormons,  and  now  ranks 
as  the  great  metropolis  of  the  Latter  Day  Saints.  The 
houses  are  generally  small,  built  of  adobes  and  one  story 
high.  The  great  Mormon  Temple, begun  in  1853,  is  built  in 
the  Gothic  style,  and  is  150  feet  long,  by  60  wide.  One  of 
the  largest  building  in  the  city  is  the  house  where  the  tenth 
of  all  the  products  of  the  territory  are  deposited 
for  the  use  of  the  church.  Another  large  building  called 
Social  Hall,  serves  for  a  theatre,  dancing  and  lor  social  enter- 
tainments. The  valley  in  which  this  city  is  located,  is  en- 
closed on  the  east  by  the  Wahsatch  mountains,  having  an 
elevation  of  10,000  feet.  Population  10,000. 

FlLLMORE,  BOONSVILLE,  OGDEN,  PROVO,  MANTI  and  PARA- 
WAN,  are  small  towns. 

NEVADA  TERRITORY. 

Population  6,800. 

This  territory  occupies  the  country  south  of  Oregon,  and  be- 
tween Utah  and  California,  and  it  contains  a  number  offer- 
tile  and  finely  watered  valleys,  which  seem  well  adapted  for 


1U  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND   BOOK. 

an  agriculual  population.  Considerable  quantities  of  gold 
are  found  in  this  territory.  It  was  organized  by  Congress, 
March  2nd,  1861,  and  it  is  settled  mainly  by  American  citi- 
zens from  California. 

GENOA,  situated  in  Carson  Valley,  is  the  principal  town, 
and  Carson  City  the  capital. 

WASHINGTON    TERRITORY. 

Population  10,600. 

This  territory  comprises  the  most  northwestern  portion  of 
the  United  States.  It  lies  between  Oregon  and  Dacotah 
and  south  of  British  America,  aud  extends  from  the  Rocky 
mountains  to  the  Pacific  ocean.  This  territory  was  in  1853 
detached  from  Oregon,  and  the  same  year  received  its  territo- 
rial organization.  The  best  soil  is  found  west  of  the  Cascade 
mountains,  but  a  large  portion  of  what  is  called  "  the  Great 
plain  of  the  Columbia'7  is  a  vast  barren  region,  destitute  of 
trees  and  water.  This  territory  is  admirably  located  for  com- 
merce, the  Srait  of  Juan  de  Fuca,  Admiralty  Inlet,  and  Pu- 
get's  Sound,  all  furnishing  excelent  harbors.  The  inhabitants 
are  chiefly  engaged  in  agriculture,  lumbering  and  fishing. 
The  territory  is  at  present  divided  into  19  counties. 

OLYMPIA,  situated  on  Puget's  Sound,  is  the  capital. 

STEILACOOM  AND  SEATTLE,  are  located  on  the  same  Sound. 
Columbia  and  Cascade  cities  are  built  upon  the  Columbia 
river,  and  Pacific  city  at  its  mouth. 

NEBRASKA  TERRITORY. 

Population  28,800. 

This  territory,  first  organized  in  1854,  lies  west  of  Iowa, 
and  between  Dacotah  on  the  north,  and  Kansas  and  Colora- 
do on  the  south.  At  present  it  is  far  from  being  so  large  as 
when  first  organized  Its  surface  consists  mostly  of  prairies, 
on  which  feed  buffalo,  wild  horses,  and  other  animals  in 
great  numbers.  Already  37  counties  have  been  organized 
in  this  territory,  and  it  bids  to  be  a  country  of  rapid  growth. 

OHMAHA  CITY,  siuated  on  the  Missouri  river,  above  the 
embouchure  of  the  Nebraska,  is  the  capital,  with  2,000  in- 
habitants. 

NEBRASKA  CITY,  OTOE  CITY,  BLACKBIRD,  AND  TEHAMA,  are 
recenty  settled  but  thriving  towns. 


UNITED  STATES.  It 5 

DACOTAH  TERRITORY. 

Population  5,000. 

DACOTAH  is  the  most  extensive  territory  of  the  United 
States,  situated  between  Minnesota  and  Washington  terri- 
tories, having  Nebraska  on  the  south,  and  British  America 
on  the  north.  It  is  a  very  cold  country,  and  contains  as  yet 
but  few  inhabitants.  It  was  organized  March  2d,  1861. 

PEMBINA,  on  Red  river,  is  the  chief  town  with  3,500  in- 
habitants. 

YANCTON  is  the  Capital. 

COLORADO  TERRITORY. 

Population  34,000. 

This  territory  was  formed  in  1861,  and  lies  west  of  Kan- 
sas, and  east  of  Utah,  and  between  the  37th  and  41st  paral- 
lels of  latitude.  It  lies  upon  both  sides  of  the  Rocky  moun- 
tains, and  includes  the  celebrated  gold  mining  region  of 
Pike's  Peak,  and  some  other  peaks,  amongst  the  highest  of 
the  Rocky  mountain  range.  Here  are  found  the  sources  of 
the  Arkansas,  and  the  Rio  Grande  rivers.  All  the  settlements 
within  this  territory  are  of  recent  date,  and  the  inhabitants 
are  chiefly  engaged  in  gold  mining. 

DENVER  CITY,  on  the  south  bank  of  the  Nebraska  river,  is 
the  principal  town  and  capital,  with  5,000  inhabitants. 

AURARTA  AND  MOUNTAIN  CITY,  are  small  towns. 

INDIAN  TERRITORY. 

The  Indian  Territory  lies  west  of  Arkansas  and  Mis- 
souri, and  between  Kansas  on  the  north  and  Texas  on  the 
south.  This  territory  has  been  set  apart  by  the  General 
Government  for  the  home  of  the  Indians ;  but  it  does  not  be- 
long to  the  territories  proper,  never  having  received  a  terri- 
torial organization.  It  contains  different  tribes  of  Indians  : 
Cherokees,  Choctaws,  Creeks,  and  Chickasaws,  and  these 
tribes  have  been  steadily  advancing  in  civilization.  Schools 
and  Churches  have  been  erected  amongst,  them,  and  they 
elect  their  civil  officers  by  ballot. 

TAH-LE-QUAH,  is  the  capital  of  .the  Cherokee  country. 


MEXICO. 


Area  668,000  square  miles.     Population  8,287,000. 

When  the  Europeans  first  discovered  Mexico,  they  found 
it  inhabited  by  a  race  of  people  who  had  made  considerable 
advance  in  civilization,  numerous  evidences  of  which  yet 
remain  in  its  splendid  antiquities.  Hernando  Cortez  landed 
in  Mexico  in  1519,  and  in  two  years  of  incessant  warfare, 
effected  the  subjugation  of  the  Aztecs  or  early  inhabitants, 
and  set  up  the  authority  of  the  Spanish  crown,  which  con- 
tinued to  govern  this  country  as  a  province  for  about  300 
years.  About  the  year  1821  an  effective  revolution  broke  out, 
which  overthrew  the  Spanish  rule  and  raised  Mexico  to  the 
dignity  of  an  independent  government. 

Surface,  fyc. — The  Andes  or  the  Cordilleras,  are  the  princi- 
pal chain  of  mountains,  which  attain  an  elevation  of  17,000 
feet  and  contain  numerous  volcanoes.  The  loftiest  peak  is 
the  volcano  of  Popocatapetl,  (smoking  mountain)  17,720  feet 
high.  The  interior  of  this  country  is  an  elevated  series  of 
table  lands.  The  low  country  along  the  coast  is  very  fertile. 

Rivers. — Mexico  is  but  sparingiy  provided  with  navigable 
rivers,  having  few  which  reach  the  interior.  The  largest  is 
the  Rio  Grande  del  Norte,  which  forms  part  of  the  boundary 
with  the  United  States,  and  afterwards  empties  into  the  Gulf 
of  Mexico.  The  Rio  Santiago  flows  west  into  the  Pacific, 
and  the  Rio  Santander  east  into  the  Gulf  of  Mexico.  The 
Rio  Conchos,  the  Salado,  and  the  San  Juan,  affluents  of  the 
Rio  Grande,  are  considerable  streams.  The  Rio  Colorado, 
the  Yaqui,  and  the  Sonora,  empty  into  the  Gulf  of  Califor- 
nia. 

Climate. — The  climate  is  various,  according  to  the  differ- 
ent altitudes  of  country,  in  some  places  hot,  in  others  tem- 
perate, and  in  others  cold.  In  the  low  regions  around  Vera 
Cruz,  the  air  is  very  impure,  and  the  yellow  fever  often  rages 


MEXICO.  Iff 

in  these  parts.  The  city  of  Mexico,  although  lying  in  the 
Torrid  Zone,  has  a  fine,  temperate  climate,  owing  to  its  great 
elevation. 

Products. — Indian  corn,  and  the  banana,  are  the  staples 
but  wheat,  rice,  sugar,  coffee,*vanilla,  indigo,  and  tobacco,  are 
also  cultivated.  Along  the  coast  are  found  magnificent  for- 
ests of  useful  \vood,  such  as  mahogany,  Brazil  wood,  the 
Campeachy  wood,  the  American  ebony,  and  a  number  of 
other  varieties. 

Minerals. — Mexico  is  celebrated  for  its  mineral  products. 
It  is  particularly  rich  in  silver,  but  gold  and  numerous  other 
metals  are  obtained. 

Manufactures. — The  principal  manufactures  of  Mexico, 
comprise  those  of  sugar,  rum,  aloes,  wine,  brandy,  earthen 
and  stone  ware ;  also  glass,  paper,  wool,  and  silk.  The  pre- 
paration of  olive  oil  employs  a  large  capital.  The  spinning 
and  weaving  of  cotton  are  likewise  great  objects  of  industry, 
and  in  addition  the  manufacture  of  gold  and  silver  lace  has 
recently  attracted  considerable  attention. 

Commerce. — Although  we  infer  from  an  inspection 
of  the  map,  that  Mexico  is  favorably  located  for  commerce, 
yet  she  has  not  displayed  great  enterprise  in  this  particular. 
A  considerable  commerce,  however,  is  carried  on  with  the 
United  States  and  the  leading  nations  of  Europe,  still  the 
frequent  revolutions  in  which  this  country  has  at  different 
times  been  engaged,  have  proved  a  constant  incuhus  to  the 
development  of  an  extended  commerce. 

Curiosities. — About  seven  miles  from  Puebla  at  Cholula, 
is  a  remarkable  pyramid,  built  of  unburnt  brick,  but  now 
overgrown  with  vegetation.  It  is  twice  as  large  at  the  base 
as  the  largest  Egyptian  Pyramid,  but  not  half  so  high;  upon 
this  stood  a  Teocalle,  or  Aztec  Temple,  consecrated  to  the 
God  of  air.  This  has  been  replaced  by  a  Roman  Catholic 
chapel.  Near  Villanucva  are  found  extensive,  and  remark- 
able ruins,  called  Los  Edificios.  In  Vera  Cruz  are  seen 
the  Pyramids  of  Papantla,  built  of  porphyry.  In  the  vicinity 
of  PaleiKjue  are  large  ruined  buildings  of  uncertain  origin. 

Inhabitants. — The  inhabitants  arc  composed  of  Indians, 
Europeans,  and  Negroes;  also  of  Mulottocs,  Mestizoes,  and 
Xamboes.  The  Indians  are  said  to  comprise  four  sevenths  of 
(lie  population;  those  of  mixed  descent  two  sevenths;  and  the 
!"in;miiiig  one  seventh  is  composed  of  whites  and  m  _ 

I*   ' 


It8  GEOGRAPHICAL   HAND-BOOK. 

The  prevailing  religion  is  the  Catholic,  and  the  Spanish  the 
predominant  language.  The  form  of  Government  is  mould- 
ed in  imitation  of  that  of  the  United  States,  but  corresponds 
but  poorly  with  its  prototype. 

MEXICO    COMPRISES    THE     FOLLOWING    DIVISIONS. 

1.  District  of  Mexico.  14.  Puebla. 

2.  Aguas  Calientes.  15.  Queretaro. 

3.  Chiapa.  16.  San  Luis  Potosi. 

4.  Chihuahua.  17.  Sinaloa. 

5.  Colima.  .        18.  Sonora. 

6.  Durango.  19.  Tamaulipas. 

7.  Guanaxuato.  20.  Tobasco. 

8.  Guerrero.  21.  Tlascala. 

9.  Jalisco.  22.  Vera  Cruz. 

10.  Mexico.  23.  Yucatan. 

11.  Michoacan.  24.  Zacatecas. 

12.  Nuevo  Leon  y  Coahuila.  25.  Lower  California,  territory. 

13.  Oaxaca. 

1.  MEXICAN  DISTRICT. 

MEXICO,  the  capital  of  the  Mexican  Confederation,  is  situ- 
ated upon  a  plain,  7,400  feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea.  It 
is  one  of  the  oldest  cities  in  America ;  is  handsomely  built  in 
the  form  of  a  square,  and  is  distinguished  for  the  width  and 
regularity  of  its  streets,  for  the  splendor  and  magnitude  of 
its  public  edifices  and,  for  the  beauty  of  its  gardens,  floating 
upon  the  adjacent  lakes.  The  private  residences  are  almost 
all  built  of  hewn  stone,  three  or  four  stories  high,  and  they 
in  general  exhibit  a  fine  style  of  architecture.  The  most  re- 
markable structure  of  this  city  is  the  Cathedral,  erected  upon 
the  spot  where  the  great  Aztec  Temple  stood,  and  occupying 
an  entire  side  of  the  central  square.  It  is  500  feet  long,  by 
420  wide,  and  although  not  built  in  accordance  with  any 
particular  order  of  architecture,  presents  an  imposing  appear- 
ance. The  walls  are  composed  of  unhewn  basalt,  the  front 
is  covered  with  the  most  laborious  carving,  and  the  interior 
is  gorgeously  decorated,  almost  beyond  description.  The 
high  altar  exhibits  a  profusion  of  candlesticks,  crosses  and 
other  ornaments  of  pure  gold  or  silver,  and  is  crowned  by  an 
image  of  the  holy  virgin,  decked  in  jewels  valued  at  over 
$2,000,000,  and  all  other  parts  of  this  Catheral  are  decorated 
with  corresponding  magnificence  and  splendor.  Some  of 
the  other  public  buildings  are  the  National  Palace,  the  Casa 


MEXICO.  If  9 

Muncipal,  occupied  as  an  exchange ;  the  University  and 
the  Mineria  or  school  of  Mines.  The  manufactures  of  this 
city  are  limited,  including  those  of  gold  and  silver  lace, 
jewelry,  cotton  goods,  carriages  and  tobacco.  Mexico  was 
taken  by  Gen.  Scott,  September  13tfc,  1847,  and  held  by  him 
until  June  12th,  1848.  Population  200,000. 

2.  AGUAS  CALTENTES. 

AGUAS  CALIENTES,  situated  in  a  level  plain,  6,000  feet 
above  the  level  of  the  sea,  has  a  favorable  location  for  trade. 
It  is  the  capital  of  the  above  State,  and  is  surrounded  by 
rich  gardens  and  olive  groves.  In  the  vicinity  are  two  warm 
mineral  springs,  giving  name  to  the  city.  Population  20,000^ 

3.  CHIAPA. 

CUIDAD  REAL,  the  capital,  contains  'some  manufactures  of 
cotton  and  wool.  In  the  vicinity  are  found  an  intermittent 
spring  and  a  stalactitic  cavern.  It  was  founded  in  1528. 
Population  6,500. 

PALENQUE,  is  situated  100  miles  northeast  of  the  capital  of  the  State. 
About  seven  miles  distant  are  some  of  the  most  maguificent  ruins  in  Amer- 
ica. The  principal  of  these,  called  the  Palace,  is  220  feet  long  and  180  wide, 
with  numerous  sculptures. 

4.  CHIHUAHUA. 

CHIHUAHUA,  situated  on  an  affluent  of  the  river  Conchos, 
is  the  capital,  and  is  a  handsome  and  well  built  city.  The 
great  ornament  of  the  city  is  the  square  called  the  Plaza 
Mayor,  on  one  side  of  which  stands  the  Cathedral,  erected 
at  a  cost  of  $800,000.  The  Cathedral  is  surmounted  by  a 
dome  and  two  towers  and  has  a  beautiful  facade,  with  stat- 
ues of  the  twelve  apostles.  In  the  vicinity  of  this  city  are 
many  fine  gardens  and  pleasant  promenades.  It  is  surround- 
ed by  silver  mines,  and  contains  several  furnaces  for  smelt- 
ing ores.  Chihuahua  once  contained  70,000  inhabitants, 
now  only  14,000. 

5.  COLIMA. 

COLIMA,  the  capital  of  the  State,  is  situated  in  a  fertile 
plain,  near  the  volcano  so  called,  and  carries  on  a  considera- 
ble trade  in  linen  and  cotton  goods,  woolens  and  hardware. 
Its  port  is  about  30  miles  southwest  of  the  city.  Population 
32,000. 


180  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND    BOOK. 

6.  DURANGO. 

DURANGO,  the  capital,  situated  about  7,295  feet  above  the 
level  of  the  sea,  occupies  a  picturesque  location,  but  is  quite 
dirty.  There  are  iron  mines  in  the  vicinity.  This  city  was 
founded  about  the  middle  of  the  sixteenth  century.  Popu- 
lation 22,000. 

7.  GUANAXUATO. 

GUANAXUATO,  the  capital,  160  miles  northwest  of  Mexico, 
is  a  great  mining  town,  and  contains  some  manufactures  of 
soap,  woolen  cloth,  linen,  powder  and  tobacco.  The  Alhon- 
diga,  a  large  building  used  as  a  granary,  is  a  remarkable 
structure.  Population  65,000. 

SALAMANCA,  twenty  miles  south  of  the  capital,  is  a  brisk 
town. 

8.  GUERRERO. 

ACAPULCO,  is  a  seaport  on  the  Pacific,  185  miles  southwest 
of  Mexico.  It  has  one  of  the  best  and  most  extensive  har- 
bors in  the  world,  and  formerly  engrossed  most  of  the  trade 
of  the  Spanish  American  colonies  with  the  East.  Since  the 
discovery  of  the  California  gold  mines,  it  has  become  the 
most  important  port  in  Mexico.  Population  5,000. 

TIXTLA,  is  the  capital  of  Guerrero. 

9.  JALISCO. 

GUADALAXARA,  capital  of  the  State  of  Jalisco,  is  situated 
on  the  river  Santiago,  275  miles  northwest  of  Mexico.  It  is 
a  handsome  city,  with  wide  streets  and  beautiful  private  resi- 
dences. The  Cathedral  and  the  Government  House  are 
both  imposing  edifices.  The  Alameda  is  a  handsome  public 
walk,  laid  out  with  trees  and  flowers,  with  a  fountain  in  the 
centre  and  surrounded  with  a  stream  of  water.  It  has 
manufactures  of  shawls,  striped  calico,  paper  and  earthen- 
ware. Population  70,000. 

10.  MEXICO. 

TOLUCA,  situated  40  miles  southwest  of  Mexico,  is  the 
capital  of  this  State,  with  12,000  inhabitants. 

11.  MICRO  AC  AN. 

VALLADOLID,  built  in  a  fine  valley,  115  miles  northwest  of 


MEXICO.  181 

Mexico,  has  a  superb  Cathedral  and  several  other  handsome 
churches.     This  was  the  birth  place  of  Iturbide,  the  1st  and 
only  Emperor  of  Mexico.     Population  18,000. 
MORELIA,  is  the  capital  of  this  State. 

12.  NUEVO  LEON  Y  COAHUILA. 

MONTEREY,  the  capital,  situated  on  the  Tigre,  is  a  hand- 
some city,  with  well  paved  streets ;  houses  built  in  the 
Moorish  style,  and  12,000  inhabitants.  It  is  memorable  for  its 
capture  by  Gen.  Taylor  in  1846.  Southwest  of  Monterey 
lies  Saltillo,  near  which  Gen.  Taylor  fought  the  battle  of 
Buena  Vista,  February  23d  and  23d,  1847.' 

13.  OAXACA. 

OAXACA,  210  miles  southeast  of  Mexico,  is  one  of  the 
handsomest  cities  of  tha  Confederation,  and  the  capital  of 
the  above  State.  The  principal  edifices  are  the  Bishop's 
Palace  and  Cathedral.  Population  25,000. 

14.  PUEBLA. 

PUEBLA  DE  LOS  ANGELES — (City  of  the  Angels) — Capital 
of  the  above  State,  situated  76  miles  southeast  of  Mexico,  de- 
rives its  name  from  its  delightful  situation.  It  is  regularly 
built,  well  paved,  and  contains  many  highly  decorated  reli- 
gious edifices.  Population  50,000. 

15.  QUERETARO. 

QUERETARO  is  a  handsome  and  well  formed  city,  contain- 
ing many  beautiful  buildings,  mostly  of  a  religious  character. 
It  has  the  aspect  of  a  busy  city,  and  is  the  place  where  peace 
between  the  United  States  and  Mexico  was  ratified  by  the 
Congress  of  the  latter  country.  Population  30,000. 

1C.  SAN  LUIS  roTOSi. 

SAN  Luis  POTOSI,  built  near  the  source  of  the  Tampico  ri- 
ver, is  a  beautiful  city,  containing  40,000  inhabitants  It  has 
an  active  trade  and  considerable  manufactures.  Its  foreign 
trade  is  chieliy  in  the  hands  of  the  United  States  and  Spain. 

COTORCB  and  VALUES  are  small  towns. 

17.  SINALOA. 

CULIACAN,  the  capital,  is  situated  in  a  fertile  region,  on  the 
river  of  the  same  name,  with  7,000  inhabitants. 


182  GEOGRAPHICAL   HAND   BOOK. 

SINALOA,  about  50  miles  from  the  Gulf  of  California,  is  a  thriving  place, 
with  gold  washings  in  the  vicinity.  Population  10,000. 

r    18.  SONORA. 

GUAYMAS  has  one  of  the  best  harbors  on  the  west  coast  of  Mexico,  with  an 
active  trade. 

URES  is  the  capital  of  the  State. 

19.  TAMAULIPAS. 

VICTORIA  is  the  capital,  with  5,000  inhabitants. 

TAMPICO,  on  the  lake  so  called,  carries  on  an  important  and  increasing 
trade  with  the  United  States  and  Great  Britain.  Population  7,000. 

MATAMORAS  is  situated  on  the  south  bank  of  the  Rio  Grande,  40  miles 
from  the  Gulf  of  Mexico.  It  is  famed  for  its  occupation  by  Gen.  Taylor  and 
the  American  army,  in  the  year  1846.  Population  20,000. 

20.  TABASCO. 

SAN  JUAN  BAUTISTA,  on  the  river  Tabasco,  70  miles  from  its  mouth,  is  the 
capital. 

FRANTERO,  situated  on  the  Tabasco  river,  three  miles  from  its  mouth,  is 
mostly  composed  of  houses  built  of  mud  and  bamboo. 

21.  TLASCALA, 
With  a  capital  of  the  same  name. 

22.     VERA  CRUZ. 

VERA  CRUZ,  the  capital  of  the  above  State,  is  built  in  an 
unhealthy  location,  and  is  defended  by  the  strong  castle  of 
San  Juan  de  Ulloa,  built  upon  an  island  half  a  mile  from  the 
shore.  This  castle  failed  to  withstand  the  American  batteries 
in  1847.  Population  20,000. 

23.  YUCATAN. 

This  State,  at  two  different  periods,  declared  her  indepen- 
dence of  the  Mexican  confederation,  but  has  finally  consented 
to  resume  her  position  as  a  member  of  the  confederacy. 

MERIDA,  situated  about  25  miles  from  the  Gulf  of  Mexico, 
is  a  regularly  built  and  handsome  city,  with  23,000  inhabit- 
ants. It  was  founded  by  the  Spaniards  in  1542,  and  contains 
a  superb  cathedral,  an  edifice  of  the  16th  century,  and  seve- 
ral handsome  structures. 

VALLADOLID,  a  city  of  Yucatan,  noted  for  its  salubrious  climate,  is  much 
resorted  to  by  invalids  from  other  parts  of  the  State.  Topulation  15,000. 

CAMPEACHY,  situated  on  the  west  coast  of  Yucatan,  90  miles  southwest  of 
Merida,  is  an  important  city,  with  15,000  inhabitants.  It  is  surrounded  by 


MEXICO.  183 

mountains  and  enclosed  by  bastioned  walls.  The  houses  are  generally  only 
one-story  high,  and  the  streets  are  narrow,  crooked,  ill-paved  and  dirty. 
This  city  derives  its  chief  importance  from  its  trade  in  Campeachy,  or  log- 
wood and  wax.  It  has  a  fine  museum  of  shells — objects  of  natural  history — 
and  many  antiquities  of  Yucatan.  Campeachy  was  the  centre  of  hostilities 
during  the  rebellion  of  Yucatan  against  Mexico  in  1842,  and  it  successfully 
withstood  a  series  of  attacks,  both  by  land  and  sea. 

24.  ZAOATECAS, 

With  a  capital  of  the  same  name,  containing  25,000  in- 
habitants. 

25.  LOWER  CALIFORNIA, 

With  LA  PAZ,  the  capital. 


CENTRAL  AMERICA. 


Area,  203,000  square  miles.     Population  2,145,000. 

Central  America  comprises  nearly  all  the  narrow  tract  of 
land  between  the  northern  and  southern  divisions  of  the 
American  continent.  This  division  of  America  was  first  dis- 
covered by  Columbus  in  1502.  In  1523  Pedro  Alvarado  was 
despatched  by  Cortez  to  effect  its  subjugation,  and  he  accom- 
plished this  in  two  years.  From  this  time  it  remained  a  pro- 
vince of  Spain  until  1823,  when  it  threw  off  the  Spanish  yoke 
and  established  an  independent  Republic,  consisting  of  seve- 
ral States.  This  confederation  of  States  lasted  until  1839, 
since  which  time  the  government  has  been  quite  unsettled. 

Surface,  8?c. — The  surface  is,  in  general,  mountainous.  It 
is  traversed  by  the  Andes  chain  throughout  the  whole  coun- 
try, running  near  the  Pacific ;  and  this  chain  contains  nu- 
merous volcanoes,  of  which  those  in  Guatemala  are  the  most 
remarkable.  More  active  volcanoes  are  found  here  than  in 
any  other  country  upon  the  globe,  except  on  the  island  of  Java. 
That  of  Irasu  has  an  elevation  of  11,478  feet.  The  soil  is,  in 
general,  very  rich. 

Rivers. — Central  America  is  by  no  means  destitute  of  riv- 
ers ;  but  she  has  no'  large  ones,  owing  to  the  narrowness  of 
the  country.  Usumasinta  is  the  largest,  flowing  north  into 
the  bay  of  Campeachy.  The  Cape,  or  Wanks  river,  and 
the  river  San  Juan,  the  outlet  of  Lake  Nicaragua,  are  the 
remaining  streams  of  importance. 

Climate. — The  climate  is  moist  and  warm.  Only  two  sea- 
sons visit  this  country.  The  winter,  in  which  period  even  the 
sun  is  nearly  vertical ;  and  the  summer,  during  which  the 
weather  is  hot  and  dry,  with  a  healthy  atmosphere.  It  rains 
during  winter  almost  constantly;  and  in  the  lower  regions 


CENTRAL  AMERICA.  185 

fevers,  agues,  and  other  diseases  to  which  the  unacclimated 
are  liable,  prevail. 

Products. — Upon  the  high  lands  most  products  of  temper- 
ate regions  are  cultivated ;  in  the  low,  warm  districts,  those  of 
the  tropics — sugar  cane,  indigo  and  tobacco  are  cultivated. 
The  forests  furnish  mahogany,  logwood  and  lignum  vita).  A 
considerable  quantity  of  coffee  is  grown  here. 

Minerals. — The  country  is  not  rich  in  the  precious  metals. 
But  gold,  silver,  lead  and  mercury,  are  found  in  small  quan- 
tities. Iron  exists  here  in  abundance.  The  geological  form- 
ation of  the  country  is  granite,  gneiss  and  mica  slate. 

•ftnimals. — The  only  animals  peculiar  to  Central  America, 
are  the  Manatee,  found  at  the  mouth  of  the  river  Juan ; 
the  flying  squirrel,  and  different  species  of  quadrumana.  Ser- 
pents are  numerous. 

Inhabitants. — The  inhabitants  of  Central  America,  like 
those  of  Mexico,  are  composed  of  Indians,  whites  and  Cre- 
oles, negroes  and  mixed  classes.  Since  the  dissolution  of  the 
confederation  in  1839,  the  government  of  the  different  States, 
although  nominally  republican,  is  nearly  in  a  state  of  anar- 
chy, the  military  rule  of  adventurers  being  almost  despotic. 
The  Catholic  is  the  prevailing  religion.  Central  America  is 
divided  into  the  States  of — 1.  Guatemala.  2.  Honduras. 
3.  San  Salvador.  4.  Nicaragua.  5.  Costa  Rica. 

1.    GUATEMALA. 

NEW  GUATEMALA,  built  upon  a  spacious  plain,  4,372  feet 
above  the  sea,  is  the  capital  of  Guatemala,  and  the  largest 
city  of  Central  America.  This  city  was  founded  in  1776,  af- 
ter the  destruction  of  Old  Guatemala,  and  it  is  now  a  great 
centre  of  wealth.  It  is  disadvantageously  located  for  com- 
merce. The  form  of  the  city  is  quadrilateral,  having  streets 
40  feet  wide,  which  cross  each  other  at  right  angles.  The 
Great  Plaza,  or  public  square,  is  flanked  by  the  Municipal 
and  Government  Houses,  and  opposite  these  is  the  Cathedral. 
The  only  building  that  can  lay  claim  to  architectural  design, 
is  the  Theatre  erected  in  1858,  and  it  is  a  large  and  hand- 
some edifice  constructed  in  the  Grecian  style  of  architecture. 
The  private  houses  are  low,  but  supplied  with  courts  and 
surrounded  with  corridors,  planted  with  handsome  trees  and 
flowers,  and  decorated  with  fountains.  On  account  of  the 


186  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

mildness  of  the  climate  fire  places  and  chimneys  are  un- 
known.    Population  45,000. 

GUATEMALA  ANTIGUA,  situated  30  miles  west  of  the  capi- 
tal,  was  previous  to  1773  the  second  city  of  all  Spanish  Amer- 
ica, numbering  60,000  inhabitants.  It  is  now  regaining  some 
of  its  former  magnificence  and  importance.  Many  of  its 
ruins  are  yet  visible  displaying  its  ancient  grandeur.  Pop- 
ulation 20,000. 

*2.  HONDURAS. 

COMAYAGUA,  situated  on  the  Ulloa  river  is  the  capital  of 
Honduras,  with  8,000  inhabitants.  It  was  formerly  more 
populous,  but  was  burnt  by  the  monarchical  faction  of  Guate- 
mala in  1827,  since  which  time  it  has  never  entirely  recover- 
ed. It  is  the  seat  of  a  Bishopric,  and  has  a  splendid  Cathe- 
dral. 

TRUXILLO,  on  the  Caribbean  Sea,  and  San  Lorenzo,  are  the 
principal  ports  of  Honduras. 

3.  SAN  SALVADOR. 

SAN  SALVADOR,  situated  near  the  Volcano  of  this  name,  is 
the  capital  of  this  State,  with  15,000  inhabitants.  April  16th, 
1854,  it  was  completely  destroyed  by  an  earthquake,  but  it 
has  been  rebuilt. 

COJUTEPEC,  built  15  miles  south  of  San  Salvador,  was 
the  seat  of  Government  from  April  16th,  1854,  untilJune  28th, 
1858,  when  the  old  capital  was  rebuilt.  Population  15,000. 

SAN  MIGUEL,  on  a  river  of  the  same  name,  80  miles  south- 
east of  the  capital,  is  the  most  important  commercial  city  of 
Central  America,  with  20,000  inhabitants.  The  great  fair  of 
La  Paz  held  here  annualy  attracts  15,000  persons. 

4.  NICARAGUA. 

LEON,  situated  about  midway  between  lake  Managua  and 
the  Pacific,  is  the  capital,  and  next  Guatemala,  the  most  im- 
portant city  of  all  Central  America.  The  city  is  regularly  laid 
out  in  squares,  with  houses  seldom  more  than  one  story  high, 
but  in  general  highly  ornamented.  Its  public  buildings  are 
amongst  the  finest  of  all  Spanish  America,  and  the  Great  Cath- 

*The  Bay  Islands,  situated  in  the  Bay  of  Honduras,  were  ceded  in  1860 
to  the  State  of  Honduras.  These  comprise  Ruatan,  Barbarate,  Helene, 
Moxato  and  Utille,  and  their  soil  is  extremely  fertile. 


CENTRAL  AMERICA.  1ST 

edral  of  St.  Peter  is  one  of  the  most  magnificent  structures 
on  the  continent.  It  occupies  a  whole  square,  is  composed 
of  solid  masonry,  was  37  years  in  building  and  cost  $5,000,- 
000.  Besides  this  there  are  in  this  city  several  other  superb 
edifices.  Leon  is  well  paved,  clean  and  salubrious,  and  the 
view  around  it  is  one  of  the  finest  and  most  extensive  in  the 
world.  No  less  than  13  volcanoes  are  visible  from  the  top 
of  the  Cathedral.  It  was  founded  in  1523,  and  a  large  part 
of  it  was  burned  in  1823  by  the  contending  factions.  Popu- 
lation 35,000. 

GRANADA,  on  a  small  bay  of  lake  Nicaragua,  in  1854  a  considerable  town, 
became  famous  for  its  sieges  during  the  civil  war,  in  which  Gen.  Walker 
and  his  followers  participated,  and  by  whose  orders  it  was  burned  in  1856. 

GREYTOWN,  is  the  principal  seaport  on  the  eastern  coast.  It  was  destroy- 
ed July,  1854,  by  Captain  Hollins,  in  accordance  with  the  orders  of  the  U. 
States  Government. 

5.  COSTA  RICA. 

SAN  JOSE,  on  the  Cartago,  is  the  capital,  with  16,000  in- 
habitants. It  contains  a  Cathedral,  an  Episcopal  palace, 
and  carries  on  a  brisk  trade. 

BALIZE. 

Area  9,600  square  miles.     Population  30,000. 

The  British  possessions  in  Central  America  comprise  Balizc, 
lying  south  of  Yucatan,  and  valued  chiefly  for  logwood  and 
mahogany.  The  climate  is  regarded  as  unhealthy  for  the 
white  race,  but  the  negro  finds  here  a  congenial  atmosphere. 
The  British  lay  no  claim  to  the  soil,  but  only  the  privilege  of 
cutting  and  shipping  therefrom  logwood,  mahogany,  and 
other  natural  products. 

BALIZE,  situated  at  the  mouth  of  the  river  of  the  same 
name,  is  the  capital,  with  5,000  inhabitant?. 

THE  MOSQUITO  TERRITORY. 

This  is  a  large  but  undefined  country,  occupying  the  north- 
east projection  of  Central  America,  and  lying  east  of  Nicar- 
agua, and  Honduras.  Its  area  is  estimated  at  about  26,000 
square  miles.  The  English  once  claimed  a  protectorate  over 
this  country,  but  this  claim  has  been  abandoned  by  the  Clay- 
ton Bulwer  treaty  of  July  4th,  1850.  This  territory  is  in- 
habited by  an  independent  race  of  Indians,  whose  sovereign 
calls  himself  king. 


WEST  INDIES. 


Area  150,000  square  miles.     Population  3,500,000. 

The  West  Indies  are  an  extensive  system  of  Islands  in  the 
Atlantic  ocean,  lying  between  the  east  side  of  Florida  and 
the  mouth  of  the  Orinoco,  and  also  between  the  Gulf  of  Mexi- 
co and  the  Caribbean  sea.  All  the  inhabitable  islands,  with 
the  exception  of  Hayti  and  Margarita,  are  subject  to  different 
European  powers.  Many  of  them  are  simply  naked  cliffs, 
and  many  of  volcanic  origin.  The  climate  of  these  islands 
is  exceedingly  hot,  but  the  heat  is  somewhat  moderated  by 
the  sea  breezes  and  the  eastern  trade  winds.  The  wet  season, 
which  is  usually  accompanied  by  terrific  hurricanes,  con- 
tinues from  June  until  near  the  end  of  the  year.  The  chief 
articles  of  commerce  are  coffee,  sugar,  cotton,  tobacco,  and 
indigo;  also  molasses,  rum,  pimento,  logwood,  cochineal,  ma- 
hogany, lignum  vitse,  and  a  variety  cf  tropical  fruits.  These 
islands  contain  few  indigenous  mammiferous  animals,  but 
abound  in  turtles,  birds  of  the  most  gaudy  plumage,  parrots, 
and  flamingoes.  It  is  estimated  that  four-sixths  of  the  inhab- 
itants are  negroes,  or  their  descendants,  who  have  been  free 
in  the  English  possessions  since  August  1st,  1834,  and  now 
also  in  the  others,  except  in  the  Spanish  Islands,  where  they 
are  generally  held  as  slaves.  All  the  aboriginal  inhabitants, 
except  a  few  hundred  in  Trinidad,  have  disappeared  from 
these  islands. 

DIVISIONS. 

1.  The,  Bahama  Isles. 

2.  The  Great  Antilles. 

3.  The  Little  Antilles. 

4.  The  Bermudas. 

These  latter  islands  lie  east  of  the  United  States,  and  are 
not  included  in  the  West  Indies  proper,  but  may  appropriate- 
ly be  grouped  with  them  in  description. 


WEST  INDIES.  1&9 

1.  THE  BAHAMAS. 

These  compose  a  group  of  about  500  islands  or  rocky 
islets,  lying  northeast  of  Cuba  and  east  of  Florida.  They 
generally  present  a  flat  surface,  and  are  mostly  long  and 
narrow.  In  general  they  are  sterile,  but  some  of  them  pro- 
duce oranges,  lemons,  limes,  maize,  #c.  In  some  of  the 
most  southern  of  these,  salt  springs  are  found,  which  prove 
of  great  value.  They  belong  to  the  British,  and  contain 
about  30,000  inhabitants.  The  principal  are,  Grand  Bahama, 
Great  and  Little  Abaco,  Andros  Islands,  New  Providence, 
Eleuthera,  San  Salvador,  Great  Exuma,  Rurn  Cay,  Watling 
Island,  Attwood's  Key,  Long  Island,  Crooked  Island,  Acklin 
Island,  Mariguana  Island,  Great  arid  Little  Inagua,  and  the 
Caricos  Islands. 

NASSAU,  situated  on  New  Providence,  is  the  capital,  with 
7,000  inhabitants. 

ST.  SALVADOR,  or  GUANAHAXI,  was  the  first  land  discovered  by  Columbus, 
October  12th,  1492. 

The  noted  Gulf  Stream  flows  between  the  peninsula  of  Florida  and  the 
Bahamas,  from  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  to  the  most  western  of  the  Azore  islands, 
where  it  is  lost  in  the  ocean.  This  current  seems  to  be  caused  principally 
by  the  revolution  of  the  earth  around  its  axis,  and  by  the  blowing  of  the 
trade  winds.  The  stream  has  a  variable  breadth  in  some  places  of  400 
miles,  and  it  flows  a  distance  of  from  one  to  five  miles  per  hour. 

2.    THE  GREAT  ANTILLES. 

Thero  are  four  of  these  namely : 

CUBA. 

Area  42,380  square  miles.     Population  1,247,000. 

Cuba,  the  largest  island  of  the  Great  Antilles,. lies  in  the 
Carribbean  sea,  about  130  miles  south  of  Florida,  and  is  650 
miles  long  and  from  50  to  60  wide'.  It  was  discovered  by 
Columbus  on  the  28th  of  October  1492,  and  by  him  named 
Juana,  in  honor  of  Prince  John,  son  of  Ferdinand  and  Isa- 
bella, afterwards  Fernandina  and  Santiago,  but  its  Indian 
name  has  survived  all  others.  Narcisso  Lopez  made  two  at- 
tempts to  revolutionize  the  island  in  1851,  but  his  efforts 
proved  abortive,  and  he  with  his  followers  were  taken  pris- 
oners. Lopez  was  garroted.  A  chain  of  mountains  stretches 
through  the  central  portion  of  this  island,  from  one  end  to 
the  other.  At  the  eastern  extremity,  this  chain  spreads  over 
a  wider  extent  than  elsewhere  and  some  of  the  peaks  attain 


190  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND-BOOK. 

an  altitude  of  8,000  feet.  Extensive  tracts  of  level  land 
intervene  between  this  central  mountain  chain  and  the  sea 
coast,  and  these  during  the  wet  season,  are  often  inundated 
and  rendered  almost  impassable  on  account  of  water  and 
the  tenacity  of  the  mud.  The  soil  of  Cuba  in  many  places 
is  quite  rich  and  fertile.  During  the  greater  portion  of  the 
year  the  climate  is  hot  and  dry.  It  rains  often  in  torrents, 
from  July  to  September,  and  showers  fall  sometimes  for  a 
month  before  and  after  these  periods.  Snow  is  never  seen 
in  Cuba,  even  upon  the  highest  mountains,  but  frost  occurs 
occasionally,  forming  thin  ice.  Hail  storms  are  rare  visitors 
and  hurricanes  less  frequent  than  in  some  of  the  other 
Antilles.  The  largest  river  of  Cuba  is  the  Cauto,  at  the 
west  end,  which  has  its  source  in  the  Sierra  del  Cobre  or 
Copper  mountains,  and  flows  west  after  a  course  of  90  miles 
into  the  Bay  of  Buena  Esperanza.  The  remaining  rivers 
are  small  streams.  An  exceedingly  luxuriant  vegetation 
decks  this  island.  The  principal  cereal  cultivaded  is  Indian 
corn,  two  crops  of  which  are  obtained  here  annually.  Rice 
is  grown  in  some  districts;  but  the  principal  crops  are  sugar, 
coffee  and  tobacco,  with  some  cotton,  cocoa  and  indigo.  Of 
domestic  animals,  the  most  valuable  are  the  horse,  ox  and 
pig,  and  these  form  a  large  part  of  the  wealth.  Snakes 
and  reptiles  are  not  numerous.  The  mineral  treasures  have 
not  yet  been  much  explored,  but  no  deficiency  seems  to  exist 
in  this  particular.  The  precious  metals  are  scarce,  but  copper 
is  more  abundant.  Coal  has  recently  been  discovered  in  the 
vicinity  of  Havana.  Marble,  chalcedony,  magnesia,  iron 
pyrites  and  quartz  have  likewise  been  found  in  various 
places.  Cuba  is  subject  to  the  Spanish  Crown  and  is  gov- 
erned by  a  Captain  General,  who  is  the  representative  of 
royal  authority  in  the  island.  The  Roman  Catholic  is  the 
only  form  of  religion  tolerated  by  law.  Slavery  yet  exists  in 
Cuba. 

HAVANA,  situated  on  the  northwestern  coast  of  Cuba,  is  its 
capital,  and  the  greatest  commercial  port  of  the  West  Indies. 
It  has  one  of  the  best  and  most  capacious  harbors  in  the 
world,  capable  of  accommodating  1,000  men  of  war,  and  so 
secure  that  vessels  can  ride  safely  without  anchor.  The 
streets  are  narrow  but  laid  out  with  much  regularity,  and 
some  of  them  are  paved  with  square  blocks  of  granite.  The 
public  edifices  are  not  remarkable  for  architectural  display ; 


WFST  INDIES.  191 

the  palace  of  the  Captain  General,  the  Custom  House,  and  the 
Deposit  Warehouse,  formerly  the  Convent  of  San  Francisco, 
being  large  but  plain  structures,  facing  the  Plaza  de  Armas. 
Havana  is  surrounded  by  walls,  bastions  and  ditches,  and  is 
defended  by  six  forts  beside  the  citadel.  The  churches  of 
this  city  are  numerous  and  richly  ornamented  with  gold  and 
silver  lamps,  images,  &c.  This  city  possesses  one  of  the  most 
delightful  climates,  which  renders  it  a  delightful  retreat  for 
northern  invalids,  and  it  is  annually  visited  by  great  numbers 
seeking  health.  The  manufacturing  industry  is  employed 
chiefly  in  the  making  of  cigars,  which  have  obtained  a  world- 
wide celebrity.  Chocolate,  woolen  fabrics  and  straw  hats  are 
likewise  manufactured  to  a  considerable  extent  in  Havana. 
She  is  rather  more  of  a  commercial  than  a  manfacturing  city. 
The  flags  of  all  commercial  nations  are  seen  in  the  harbor, 
and  she  is  regarded  as  the  great  emporium  of  the  Spanish 
American  commerce.  January  15th,  1796,  the  remains  of 
Columbus  were  brought  to  this  city  and  deposited  with  great 
pomp  in  the  Cathedral.  Population  200,000. 

SANTIAGO  DE  CUBA,  built  upon  the  river  Santiago,  six  miles  from  its 
mouth  was  the  ancient  capital.  It  ranks  in  commercial  importance  next  to 
Havana.  Population  25,000. 

PURETO  PRINCIPE  is  the  largest  town  in  the  interior. 

CARDENAS  is  a  seaport  on  the  north  side  of  Cuba,  and  Cienfuegos  on  the 
south  side,  and  both  are  united  to  Havana  by  railway. 

HAYTT. 

Area  29,000  square  miles.     Population  900,000. 

Hayti,  called  Hispaniola  by  Columbus,  by  whom  it  was 
discovered,  lies  east  of  Cuba,  and  is  inhabited  chiefly  by 
negroes  and  mulattocs.  This  island  was  divided  between 
France  and  Spain,  but  in  1791  a  revolution  broke  out  and 
the  Spaniards  and  French  were  driven  out  by  the  negroes 
who  asserted  their  independence  in  1804.  A  series  of  revo- 
lutions succeeded,  the  island  being  under  a  kind  of  elective 
military  government  in  the  meantime  until  1844,  the  Spanish 
inhabitants  of  the  eastern  part  of  the  island  declared  their  in- 
dependence and  established  the  republic  of  Dominica  with 
a  President  and  national  legislature.  In  1849  President 
Solouquc,  who  claimed  to  be  ruler  of  the  whole  island, 
adopted  the  title  of  Faustin  I.  and  declared  himself  Em- 
peror, but  about  three  years  since  a  revolution  arose  which 
banished  him,  and  the  inhabitants  elected  Fabre  Geflrard,  as 


192  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND-BOOK. 

President.  The  island  is  therefore  divided  into  two  republics, 
Hayti  and  Dominica,  corresponding  in  territory  to  the  ancient 
French  and  Spanish  possessions.  Its  soil  is  very  fertile  and 
its  climate  so  delightful  that  Columbus  named  it  "the  original 
seat  of  Paradise." 

1.    HAYTI. 

PORT  AU  PRINCE,  situated  at  1.he  head  of  the  Bay  of 
Gonaives,  is  the  principal  seaport  and  capital  of  Hayti.  It 
has  a  safe  harbor,  is  the  seat  of  the  superior  courts  and  of 
most  of  the  foreign  trade.  Population,  20,000. 

CAPE  HAYTIEN,  upon  the  northern  coast  was  once  a  flour- 
ishing city,  but  is  now  an  inconsiderable  town  of  6,000  in- 
habitants. 

2.  DOMINICA. 

ST.  DOMINGO,  situated  on  the  south  side  of  the  island,  was 
founded  by  Bartholmew,  the  brother  of  Columbus,  in  1496, 
and  is  therefore  the  oldest  town  of  the  new  world  built  by 
Europeans.  It  is  the  capital  of  the  Dominican  republic,  with 
10,000  inhabitants.  The  Cathredral  built  during  the  govern- 
orship of  Don  Diego,  the  son  of  Columbus,  is  a  large  gothic 
edifice  and  the  most  superb  structure  of  the  city.  It  con- 
tained the  remains  of  the  discoverer  of  America  for  nearly 
two  centuries  and  a  half,  until  they  were  removed  to  Havana. 

JAMAICA. 

Area  6,400  square  miles.    Population  400,000. 

Jamaica  lies  south  of  Cuba,  and  is  the  principal  possession 
of  the  British  in  the  Caribbean  sea.  A  high  range  of  moun- 
tains runs  through  the  island,  called  the  Blue  Mountains. 
The  highest  peak,  named  Blue  Mountain  Peak,  has  an  eleva- 
tion of  7,770  feet.  The  soil  is  deep  and  fertile,  and  considered 
amongst  the  best  in  the  world  for  the  cultivation  of  sugar, 
coffee,  pimento,  and  ginger.  Maize,  guinea  corn,  and  rice,  are 
the  principal  grains  raised.  The  chief  mineral  is  lead,  but 
copper,  silver,  zinc,  antimony,  manganese,  and  some  gold  has 
been  found.  Most  of  the  land  belongs  to  private  individuals, 
but  the  estates  are  not  so  large  as  they  were  previous  to  the 
epoch  of  slave  emancipation.  The  whites  do  not  compose 
more  than  the  one  twenty-fifth  of  the  inhabitants.  The  Gov- 


WEST  INDIES,  193 

eminent  is  vested  in  a  Governor  and  a  Council  of  12  members, 
nominated  by  the  British  Crown,  and  a  legislative  assembly 
of  45  members. 

SPANISHTOWN  is  the  capital,  with  6,000  inhabitants. 

KINGSTON,  situated  on  the  south  side  of  the  island,  is  the 
principal  seaport,  with  32,000  inhabitants,  25,000  of  whom 
are  colored.  Most  of  the  commerce  of  the  island  passes 
through  this  place.  Its  chief  exports  are  sugar,  rum,  molas- 
ses, ginger,  pimento,  and  coffee.  The  houses  are  generally 
built  of  brick,  two  stories  high,  with  verandahs  and  gardens. 
The  harbor  is  defended  by  several  strong  forts. 

PORTO  RICO. 

Area  3,800  square  miles.    Population  380,000. 

Porto  Rico  lies  east  of  Hayti,  and  belongs  to  Spain.  The 
island  is  traversed  by  a  range  of  mountains  having  an  aver- 
age elevation  of  1500  feet.  The  soil  is  very  fertile  and  raises 
a  greater  amount  of  sugar  in  proportion  to  its  area,  than  any 
other  of  the  West  Indies.  About  one-sixth  of  the  inhabitants 
are  slaves.  The  chief  products  are  sugar,  rum,  molasses, 
coffee,  cotton,  tobacco,  rice,  salt,  and  lignum  vita3.  The  cli- 
mate is  in  general  more  salubrious  than  in  most  of  the  West 
Indies.  The  Government  is  in  the  hands  of  a  Captain  Gen- 
eral, who  is  appointed  by  the  Spanish  Crown. 

SAN  JUAN  DE  PORTO  Rico,  is  a  fortified  city,  and  the 
capital  of  the  island.  The  chief  buildings  are  the  Govern- 
ment House,  the  Military  Hospital,  the  Bishop's  Palace,  the- 
large  Cathedral,  and  the  Custom  House.  Population  11,000. 

3.  THE  LITTLE  ANTILLES  OR  THE  CARIBBEAN  ISLANDS. 

Only  the  most  important  are  here  enumerated. 
To  the  British  belong: 

1.  ST.  CHRISTOPHER,  OR  ST.  KITTS,  with  a  rich,  fertile  and 
highly  cultivated  soil,  and  a  dry,  healthy  climate.    The  island 
is  peculiarly  adapted  to  the  cultivation  of  sugar.     Capital, 
BASSE  TERRE. 

2.  ANTIGUA,  with  a  deeply  indented  and  rugged  coast.  The 
soil  is  rich  in  the  interior,  and  the  climate  is  remarkable  for 
dryness.     Sugar  is  the  chief  product.     Capital,  ST.  JOHNS. 

3.  DOMINICA,  regarded  as  of  volcanic  origin  and  the  most 
elevated  of  the  lesser  Antilles.     It  is  partially  mountainous, 
but  interspersed  with  fertile  valleys,  and  has  upon  one  of  its 

j 


9  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

loftiest  mountains,   an  unfathomable   lake  of  fresh  water. 
Its  principal  products  are  coffee  and  sugar.    Capital,  ROSEAU. 

4.  ST.  LtrciA^  considered  as  being  the  most  unhealthy  of  all 
the  West  Indies.     The  greater  part  of  it  is  covered  with  dense 
forests,  but  the  valleys  are  well  cultivated,  and  remarkably 
productive.     Sugar  cane  is  the  staple  product  of  this  island. 
Capital,  CASTRIES. 

5.  BARBADOES,  almost  encircled  by  coral  reefs,  rendering 
navigation  dangerous.     Its  surface  is  much  diversified,  pre- 
senting a  succession  of  valleys,  hills,  table  lands,  cliffs,  and 
gorges.     The  soil  is  very  fertile,  and  its  climate  is  esteemed 
one  of  the  healthiest  in  the  Archipelago.    It  is  subject  to  vio- 
lent hurricanes.     The  staple  products  are  sugar,  arrow  root, 
aloes  and  cotton    It  is  said  to  be  more  densely  populated  than 
any  other  spot  in  the  world  except  Malta.     Capital,  BRIDGE- 
TOWN. 

6.  ST.  .VINCENT,  intersected  by  a  ridge  of  volcanic  hills, 
which  contain  a  volcano  named  Souffriere.     The  soil  is  gen- 
erally rich,  and  the  climate  exceedingly  humid,  but  quite 
healthy.  Sugar,  rum,  molasses,  arrow  root,  and  cotton,  are  the 
chief  products.     Capital,  KINGSTOWN. 

7.  GRENADA,  one  of  the  most  beautiful  of  the  West  Indies, 
traversed   by  volcanic   mountains,  and   rugged   and   pictu- 
resque in  the  interior.      The   soil   is   variable,  but  consists 
chiefly  of  a  rich  black,  or  reddish  colored  mould,  adapted  to 
every  tropical  product.     Sugar,  rum  and  molasses,  are  the 
principal  exports.     An  object  of  curiosity  is  the  rock  called 
the  "Springer,"  from  which  the  Caribs,  when  hotly  pursued 
by  the    French,   plunged    into  the  sea  and  were  drowned. 
Capital,  ST.  GEORGETOWN. 

8.  TOBAGO,  an   entire  mass  of  rocks  with  some  small  val- 
leys intervening.     It  is  well  watered  by  streams,  but  is  un- 
healthy for  Europeans.     It  is  beyond  the  range  of  huricanes. 
Its  products  are  sugar/ molasses,  and  rum.     Principal  town, 
SCARBOROUGH. 

9.  TRINIDAD,  the  largest  and  most  important  of  the  British 
West  India  Islands,  with  the  exception  of  Jamaica.     It  is 
considerably  mountainous,  with  beautiful  intervening  valleys. 
The  soil  is,  in  general,  extremely  fertile,  but  only  a  small  por- 
tion is  under  cultivation.     The  great  curiosity  of  this  island, 
is  the  Pitch  Lake,  which  is  continually  boiling  in  the  centre. 
Capital,  PORT  OF  SPAIN. 


WEST  INDIES.  195 

To  the  French  belong: 

1.  GAUDELOUPE,  consisting  of  two  islands,  separated  by  Salt 
river:  Guadeloupe  proper  and  Grand  Terre.  The  first  is  of 
volcanic  formation,  and  traversed  by  a  ridge  of  hills,  and  the 
last  presents  a  flat,  even  surface.  The  climate  is  hot  and  un- 
healthy and  the  atmosphere  humid.  Frequent  and  terrific 
hurricanes  occur  here.  The  chief  exports  are  sugar,  coffee, 
rum,  taffia,  cotton,  hides,  and  tobacco.  Capital,  BASSE  TERRE; 

2  MARTINIQUE,  high,  rocky,  and  of  irregular  form,  with  six 
extinct  volcanoes,  and  Mount  Pelee  4,450  feet  high.  Between 
the  volcanic  rocks,  irregular  valleys  occur  of  great  fertility. 
The  principal  products  are  sugar,  coffee,  cocoa,  and  cotton. 
Capital,  PORT  ROYAL. 

To  the  Dutch  belong: 

1.  *ST.  MARTIN,  with  a  hilly  surface,  has  a  tolerably  healthy 
climate,  and  is  well  watered.    In  the  south  the  Dutch  obtain 
great  quantities  of  salt.     Rum,  and  sugar,  are  the  chief  pro- 
ducts.    Capital,  PHILISBURG. 

2.  CUROZOA  OR  CURASSOU,  with  a  soil  not  of  great  fertility, 
nor  well  watered.     A  considerable  quantity  of  sugar,  indigo^ 
tobacco  and  maize,  are  cultivated.     The  great  staple  is  salt,  • 
obtained  by  evaporation.     Iron  and  copper  are  found  here; 
Capital  WILHELMSTADT. 

To  the  Danes  belong: 

1.  SANTA  CRUZ,  or  ST.  CROIX,  having  a  level  surface^  fertile 
soil,  and  being  well  irrigated*     The  climate  is  considered  as 
somewhat  unhealthy,  and  hurricanes  are  frequent     Sugar 
and  rum  are  the  great  staples ;  but  cotton,  coffee  and  indigo^ 
are  cultivated.     Capital,  CHRISTIANSTADT. 

2.  ST.  THOMAS,  which  has  a  rugged  and  elevated  surface,  a 
sandy  but  by  no  means  fertile  soil.     It  is  open  to  the  com- 
merce of  all  nations,  and  is  a  depot  for  the  goods  of  the  ad- 
jacent islands.     It  carries  on  a  vast  trade.     Capital,  CHAR- 
LOTTTE  AMALIE. 

3.  ST.  JOHH,  a  small  island  east  of  St.  Thomas,  noted  for  its 
fine  harbor.     Capital,  CHRISTIANSBURG. 

To  the  Swedes  belongs: 

ST.  BARTHOLOMEW,  the  only  Swedish  American  colony, 
with  a  fertile  soil  but  poorly  watered.  The  inhabitants  must 
depend  upon  the  rain  for  water.  Sugar,  tobacco,  cotton  and 

*  Nearly  two-thirds  of  the  northern  part  of  this  island  belongs  to  th« 
French,  and  the  capital  of  this  portion  is  LH  MABQIOT. 


196  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

cocoa  are  the  chief  products.     This   island  was  ceded  by 
France  to  Sweden  in  1784.     Capital,  GUSTAVIA. 

4.  THE  BERMUDAS. 

These  comprise  several  hundred  islands,  only  a  few  of  which 
are  inhabited ;  the  most  of  them  being  merely  naked  cliffs. 
Their  climate  is  very  mild,  permitting  the  growth  of  most  of 
the  West  India  products;  abundance  of  cedar,  used  for  ship 
timber,  is  obtained  here.  Considerable  quantities  of  potatoes 
are  shiped  from  these  islands  to  the  United  States,  long  be- 
fore the  native  crop  is  mature.  The  arrow  root  grown  here 
excels  that  of  every  other  place.  Their  fisheries  are  produc- 
tive and  whaling  is  carried  on  upon  a  small  scale.  No  fresh 
water  springs  are  found  in  these  islands,  and  rain  is  caught 
and  stored  in  tanks  for  use.  They  are  often  visited  by  storms 
and  hurricanes.  A  naval  and  military  station  has  been 
established  here  and  they  have  likewise  been  turned  into  a 
convict  settlement,  but  the  deportation  of  criminals  to  these 
has  not  hitherto  been  large. 

The  principal  islands  are  Bermuda,  St.  George,  St.  David's, 
Somerset  and  Ireland. 
^  HAMILTON,  on  Bermuda  island,  is  the  capital. 


SOUTH  AMERICA. 


Area  6,621,000  square  miles.  Population  19,896,000 
South  America  is  the  southern  grand  division  of  the  west- 
ern continent.  It  is  united  to  North  America  by  the  isthmus 
of  Panama,  and  the  bulk  of  this  division  lies  in  the  torrid 
zone  upon  both  sides  of  the  equator;  and  only  a  small  por- 
tion of  it  in  the  south  temperate  zone.  At  the  southern  ex- 
tremity is  a  group  of  islands,  which  forms  the  archipelago  of 
Terra  del  Fuego. 

MOUNTAINS  AND  SURFACE. 

Here  upon  the  western  coast  we  find  again  the  Ande§ 
mountains,  which  divide  a  short  distance  north  of  the  equator 
into  two  branches;  the  one  stretches  north,  and  the  othep 
northeast,  to  the  Caribbean  sea.  Besides  these,  the  eastern, 
part  is  traversed  by  other  chains  of  mountains,  which  do  not 
however  attain  the  same  altitude  as  the  Andes.  The  vast 
plains  which  are  drained  by  the  Orinoco  and  Amazon  and 
their  affluents,  comprise  an  immense  area,  and  are  so  level 
that  no  inequality  of  surface  is  perceptible  for  hundreds  of 
miles.  During  the  wet  season  these  are  covered  with  a 
smiling  green  herbage,  and  seem  animated  with  living  crea- 
tures; but  in  the  dry  season  they  become  transformed  into 
parched  deserts,  where  everything  yields  to  the  heat  of  the 
sun,  and  where  the  serpents  and  crocodiles  lie  dried  in  the 
mud,  until  the  rain  again  revivifies  them.  Whilst  the  rainy 
season  continues  the  rivers  rise  to  such  a  height  that  the  sur- 
rounding country  is  overflowed  for  miles,  and  the  Indians  at 
the  mouth  of  the  Orinoco,  are  under  the  necessity  of  betaking 
themselves  for  safety  to  the  high  trees.  The  Pampas  of  Buenos 
Ayres  are  also  plains  of  vast  extent,  and  like  those  of  the 
Amazon  and  Orinoco,  are  during  the  wet  season  decked  with 
a  luxuriant  verdure  upon  wfyicfy  millions  of  horses,  buffaloes 


198  OEOaRAPHIOAL  HAND  BOOK. 

and  other  wild  animals  feed.  The  extensive  plains  which 
He  upon  both  sides  of  the  Amazon  are  likewise  covered  with 
immense  forests,  the  largest  perhaps  in  the  world,  These 
plains  lying  upon  the  Orinoco  are  called  Llanos,  and  those 
upon  the  Amazon,  Silvas. 

CAPES, 

1,  Cape.  St.  JRoque,  the  most  eastern. 

2,  Cape  JB/anco,  the  most  western. 

3    Cape  Gallinas,  the  most  northern. 
4.  Gape  Hor?ij  the  most  southern, 

LAKES, 

The  largest  is  Lake  Maracaybo,  upon  the  northern  coast, 
which  is  united  with  the  Caribbean  sea. 

RIVERS. 

The  largest  rivers  are  found  in  the  eastern  part  of  South 
America,  as  the  principal  chain  of  mountains,  in  which  they 
have  their  sources,  lies  upon  the  western  coast. 

1.  THE  MAGDALENA,  rises  in  the  Andes,  and  flows  north 
into  the  Caribbean  sea. 

2.  THE  ORINOCO,  1,150  miles  long,  flows  east  into  the  At- 
lantic. 

3.  THE  AMAZON,  the  largest  river  upon  the  globe,  has  a 
length  of  3,540  miles,  and  receives  the  waters  of  60  tributaries 
as  large  as  the  Danube.     It  empties  into  the  Atlantic. 

4.  THE  PIO  DE  LA  PLATA,  (the  silver  stream)  is  formed  by 
Jhe  junction  of  the  Parana  and  the  Uruguay,  and  flows  south 
jnto  the  Atlantic.     Its  whole  length  is  2,150  miles.     The  Pa- 
rana receives  the  Paraguay  before  it  unites  with  the  Uruguay. 
In  a  still  valley,  encompassed  by  date  trees,  the  head  stream 
of  the  Uruguay  issues  irom  a  rock,  with  such  violence  as  to 
reach  the  distance  of  120  feet  in  the  form  of  an  arch,  which 
descends  upon  the  rocks  with  great  roaring.     Persons  can 
pass  under  this  watery  arch  without  becoming  wet. 


DIVISIONS. 


1.  New  Granftda 

2.  Venezuela. 

3.  Equador, 


SOUTH  AMBE1CA. 

4.  Pen.. 

5.  Bolivia. 

6.  Chili. 

7.  •Argentine  Confederation. 

8.  Uruguay. 

9.  Paraguay. 

10.  Empire  of  Brazil. 

11.  Guiana. 

12.  Patagonia. 

13.  7V*e  Islands, 

NEW  GRANADA. 

Area  480,000  square  miles.     Population  2,363,000. 

New  Granada  was  first  discovered  in  1499  by  Alonzo  de 
Ojeda,  and  the  earliest  settlement  within  its  limits  was  made 
by  the  Spaniards  in  1510,  at  Santa  Maria  la  Antigua,  on  the 
gulf  of  Darien.  The  country  continued  subject  to  Spain  un- 
til 1808,  when  the  mother  country  was  invaded  by  Napoleon, 
which  produced  a  spirit  of  insubordination  in  the  Spanish  col- 
onies, and  in  1811  New  Granada  proclaimed  her  indepen- 
dence. She  was  for  some  years  united  with  Venezuela  and 
Equador,  and  the  three  formed  the  Republic  of  Colombia. 

It  is  bounded  north  by  the  Caribbean  sea  and  Venezuela, 
east  by  Venezuela  and  Brazil,  south  by  Equador,  and  west 
by  the  Pacific. 

Surface,  $c. — Near  the  Equator  the  Andes  mountains  di- 
vide into  separate  branches,  and  run  north  and  northeast 
through  New  Granada,  with  great  elevations ;  Tolima,  the 
highest  peak,  haying  an  altitude  of  18,270  feet.  These  chains 
are  a  great  impediment  to  inland  communication,  and  al- 
though not  high  in  some  places,  yet  have  but  few  and  difficult 
passes.  Alternating  between  the^e  mountain  chains,  lie 
plains  and  valleys,  yielding  a  luxuriant  verdure,  and  in  some 
places  vast  forests  of  timber,  but  the  quality  of  the  soil  is 
little  esteemed  by  the  natives,  or  known  to  Europeans. 

fiivers. — The  principal  rivers  are  the  Magdalena  and  Caur 
ca,  flowing  north  and  uniting  their  waters  before  reaching 
the  Caribbean  sea.  The  former  has  a  length  of  900  miles. 
The  Meta,  and  the  Guaviare  are  considerable  streams,  rising 
here  and  flowing  into  the  Orinoco.  The  Funza  or  Bogota 
fiver,  flowing  by  the  capital,  is  celebrated  for  the  cataract  of 


200  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND-BOOK. 

Tequendama,  with  a  descent  of  650  feet,  one  of  the  highest 
in  the  world.  About  20  miles  from  the  falls  is  the  natural 
bridge  of  Pandi. 

Climate. — On  account  of  the  great  difference  in  elevation, 
New  Granada  presents  the  most  remarkable  contrasts  of  cli- 
mate. On  the  lowlands  the  heat  is  so  great  that  the  hand 
cannot  endure  the  warmth  of  a  stone  exposed  to  the  sun,  and 
the  water  of  the  Magdalena  is  lukewarm  ;  whilst  in  the  ele- 
vated country,  the  temperature  is  that  of  perpetual  spring,  and 
the  air  is  very  salubrious.  Even  up  to  the  limit  of  continual 
snow,  the  climate  is  healthy.  Myriads  of  mosquitoes  swarm 
in  the  low  regions,  proving  a  scourge  to  the  country,  and 
numerous  diseases  are  prevalent. 

Products. — In  the  low  country,  rice,,  cotton,  tobacco,  cocoa, 
sugar  cane,  and  most  tropical  fruits  are  cultivated,  whilst  in 
the  elevated  regions  maize,  wheat,  and  the  European  fruits 
grow  in  abundance.  The  wax  palm  towers  to  the  height  of 
200  leet,  and  here  is  obtained  the  Jesuit's  bark  of  commerce. 
The  forests  teem  with  the  most  valuable  products. 

•ftnimals. — To  the  stranger  ascending  the  Magdalena,  the 
alligators  seem  lords  of  the  country,  but  besides  these,  pumas, 
jaguars,  boa  constrictors  and  tapirs,  are  likewise  seen.  The 
sloth,  armadillo,  and  ant  eater,  as  also  seals  and  marmots  are 
met  with.  The  condor  soars  above  the  high  mountains. 

Minerals. — The  mineral  wealth  is  various  and  abundant, 
embracing  coal  and  platinum,  also  some  gold  and  silver, 
Emerald  and  diamond  mines  exist  here. 

Manufactures. — Manfactures  can  scarcely  be  considered  as 
fairly  commenced  in  this  country,  those  already  inaugurated 
not  being  sufficient  to  supply  home  consumption.  They  em- 
brace straw  hats,  carpets,  and  a  few  other  articles  made  at 
the  capital,  but  nearly  all  articles  of  manufacture  are  exported. 
Education. — The  constitution  provides  for  free  schools,  and 
in  accordance  therewith  parochial  schools  have  been  estab- 
lished throughout  New  Granada.  The  higher  educated  classes 
are  ranked  as  amongst  the  most  intelligent  of  all  South  Amer- 
ica, and  many  of  them  are  noted  for  their  scientific  and  lite- 
rary acquirements. 

Government. — The  constitution  is  modeled  in  close  imita- 
tion of  that  of  the  United  States.  Slavery  has  ceased  to  exist, 
and  all  races  and  colors  stand  upon  a  political  equality,  but 
the  influence  oi  the  white  race  predominates.  The  Roman 


SOUTH  AMERICA.  -  201 

Catholic  is  the  prevailing  religion,  but  the  Pope's  supremacy 
is  denied,  the  head  of  the  church  being  the  Archbishop  of 
Bogota.  Freedom  of  the  press  and  trial  by  jury,  are  both 
guaranteed. 

Inhabitants.. — The  inhabitants,  like  the  Mexicans,  and  the 
South  Americans  generally,  are  composed  of  whites,  negroes, 
Indians,  and  mixed  breeds,  including  mulattoes,  mestizoes, 
and  zamboes.  In  the  city  of  Bogota  the  ladies  are  noted  for 
their  great  beauty,  and  the  better  class  of  society  imitate  the 
French  style  of  dress.  The  love  of  gaming  is  universal 
amongst  all  classes,  and  cock  fighting  is  a  favorite  amuse- 
ment. 

BOGOTA,  situated  on  a  lofty  plain  8,964  feet  high,  is  the 
capital,  and  enjoys  one  of  the  most  healthy  and  delightful 
climates  in  the  world.  Viewed  from  a  distance  it  has  the 
form  of  an  amphitheatre,  and  its  streets  are  narrow,  but  reg- 
ular, and  cross  each  other  at  right  angles.  Being  subject  to 
earthquakes,  the  houses  are  low,  built  of  sun-dried  bricks  and 
in  general  present  a  very  elegant  and  handsome  appearance. 
The  Cathedral  built  in  Ibl4  is  one  of  the  most  imposing  edi^ 
fices  of  Bogota,  and  its  statue  of  the  virgin  was  once  adorned 
with  1,358  diamonds,  1,275  emeralds,  and  numerous  other 
costly  stones.  The  Custom  House  and  Mint  are  likewise 
beautiful  structures.  The  manufactures  of  this  city  are  small, 
embracing  those  of  soap,  cloth  and  leather.  Its  environs  are 
very  charming.  Bogota  contains  a  University,  founded  in 
1610,  a  public  library,  an  observatory,  and  a  theatre.  The 
society  of  the  city  has  a  high  reputation  for  its  agreeable 
character.  Quesada  founded  it  in  1538.  Population,  60,000. 

POPAYAN,  built  at  an  elevation  of  6,000  feet,  was  once  a 
flourishing  city,  but  since  the  earthquake  of  1834,  has  greatly 
declined  in  importance.  Its  position  between  Bogota  and 
Quito,  makes  it  somewhat  of  a  commercial  mart.  Its  trade 
is  chiefly  confined  however  to  rural  produce.  It  was  found- 
ed in  1537,  and  is  therefore  the  oldest  town  built  by  Euro] 
peans  in  this  region  of  South  America.  Population  ^0,000, 

CARTHAGENA,  situated  near  the  mouth  of  the  Magdalena 
river,  is  one  of  the  principal  ports  on  the  Caribbean  sea,  and 
the  chief  naval  station  of  New  Granada.  The  city  is  well 
built,  and  contains  many  handsome  buildings.  Its  climate 
is  hot  and  unhealthy?  leprosy  and  yellow  fever  being  fr0r 
visitors.  Itsrhinf  mn'ni»f«Mnrpc  nm  ropes  aid  sail. 


202  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND-BOOK. 

cloth.  It  was  the  first  town  that  declared  for  independence, 
and  during  the  wars  that  followed,  often  changed  masters. 
Population  33,000. 

PANAMA,  situated '  on  the  south  side  of  the  isthmus  so  named,  derives  its 
chief  impotance  from  being  the  Pacific  terminus  of  the  Panama  railroad,  unit- 
ing this  place  with  Aspinwall.  Population  10,000. 

ASPINWALL,  the  Atlantic  terminus  of  the  Panama  railroad. 

SANTA  MARTHA  and  SAVANILLA,  are  seaports  on  the  Caribbean  sea. 

MEDELLIN,  and  SOCORRO,  are  both  handsome  cities,  the 
former  with  19,000,  and  the  latter  12,000  inhabitants. 

VENEZUELA. 

Area  400,000  square  miles.     Population  1,419,000. 

The  striking  resemblance  between  Venice  in  Italy,  and 
the  small  Indian  town  built  upon  piles  on  lake  Maracaybo, 
in  the  year  1499,  suggested  to  Ojeda  and  Vespucci,  the  early 
discoverers  of  this  country,  the  name  of  Venezuela  (diminu- 
tive of  Venice,  or  Venezia.)  It  composed  part  of  a  Spanish 
Viceroyalty,  until  the  year  1811,  when  it  became  indepen- 
dent, and  it  subsequently  was  merged  in  Colombia,  up  to  the 
year  1831,  when  the  dissolution  of  that  republic  took  place. 
It  is  bounded  north  by  the  Caribbean  sea,  east  by  the  same 
and  Guiana,  south  by  Brazil  and  New  Granada,  and  west  by 
New  Granada. 

Surface  fyc. — The  eastern  chain  of  the  Andes,  before  leav- 
ing New  Granada,  divides  into  two  branches,  the  one  of 
which  borders  Venezuela  on  the  west,  and  the  other  pene- 
trates about  300  miles  north  east  into  the  interior.  An  insul- 
ated mountain  group  in  the  southern  part  of  the  State  rises 
between  the  Orinoco  and  the  Amazon,  called  the  mountains 
of  Parima.  The  great  extent  of  surface  of  Venezuela,  except 
what  is  covered  by  the  aforementioned  mountains,  is  an  im- 
mense plain  called  Llanos,  with  an  area  of  150,000  square 
miles,  little  elevated  above  the  sea.  These  Llanos,  generally 
destitute  of  trees,  are  a  desert  in  the  dry  season,  and  a  fertile 
meadow  in  the  wet  season.  Its  soil  is  rich. 

Rivers. — The  principal  river  of  Venezuela  is  the  Orinoco, 
ranking  as  the  third  in  South  America,  and  flowing  northeast 
into  the  Atlantic.  Its  length  is  estimated  at  1,600  miles. 
The  Zulia,  Catatumba  and  Motatan  are  quite  unimportant 
streams  falling  into  Lake  Maracaybo. 

Climate. — The  equatorial  climate  is  displayed  in  the 
highest  degree,  in  that  of  Venezuela.  Vegetation  never 


SOUTH  AMERICA.  203 

ceases,  and  the  difference  of  the  seasons  is  scarcely  perceptible. 
The  themometer  ranges  throughout  the  year  from  80°  to  90° 
Fahrenheit.  The  climate  is  tolerably  healthy,  notwithstand- 
ing the  constant  heat,  arid  epidemic  diseases  are  rare.  Upon 
those  parts  of  the  Llanos  which  are  usually  inundated  it  is 
quite  insalubrious. 

Products. — The  coast  of  Venezuela  is  admirably  adapted 
to  the  cultivation  of  cacao,  the  most  important  product  of  the 
country.  Besides  this,  cotton,  coffee,  sugar  and  indigo  are 
greatly  cultivated,  and  with  hides,  form  the  principal  articles 
of  export.  Plantain  is  the  staple  food  of  the  mass  of  the 
inhabitants.  Two  crops  of  maize  are  obtained  here  during 
the  year,  and  the  growth  of  the  whole  vegetable  kingdom  is 
extraordinary.  Here  grow  trees  of  enormous  size,  and 
many  plants  that  supply  the  shop  of  the  apothecary. 

•ftnimals. — In  addition  to  the  tapir,  the  jaguar  and  the 
puma;  the  Titi,  a  dimunitive  monkey,  the  Viquira,  a  kind  of 
wild  hog,  and  the  Chiguire,  an  amphibious  animal  resem- 
bling an  otter,  are  found  in  Venezuela.  Vast  herds  of  wild 
cattle  roam  over  the  Llanos,  and  the  forests  are  resonant  with 
peculiar  varieties  of  the  feathered  tribes. 

Minerals. — Mines  of  gold,  silver  and  tin  have  been  worked 
here,  but  are  no  longer  productive.  Valuable  deposits  of 
bituminous  coal  have  been  found.  Salt  is  not  the  least  im- 
portant mineral.  Asphalt  and  petroleum  are  abundant 
around  Lake  Maracaybo. 

Government. — The  constitution  has  been  formed  in  imita- 
tion of  that  of  the  United  States.  The  legislative  power  is 
in  the  hands  of  a  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives,  and 
the  executive  in  a  president  and  vice-president.  The  reli- 
gion of  state  is  the  Roman  Catholic,  but  all  others  are  toler* 
ated.  Slavery  was  abolished  in  1854. 

CARACCAS,  the  capital  of  Venezuela,  situated  fifteen  miles 
from  the  Caribbean  Sea,  contains  50,000  inhabitants,  who 
carry  on  an  important  trade.  It  is  built  upon  the  declivity  of 
a  mountain,  about  3,000  feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea,  anct 
is  one  of  the  wealthiest  and  most  handsome  cities  in  the 
northern  part  of  South  America.  The  streets  are  wide,  well 
built  and  intersect  each  other  rectangularly,  and  are  likewise 
generally  supplied  with  fountains.  The  city  contains  severaj 
spacious  squares,  the  largest  of  which  is  the  Plaza  Mayor 
The  most  splendid  buildings  of  Caraccas  are  the  churches, 


204  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

convents  and  university,  which  last  was  founded  in  1778. 
The  exports  of  the  city  consist  chiefly  of  cocao,  cotton,  indi- 
go, coffee,  tobacco,  hides  and  live  cattle.  Its  trade  is  carried 
on  through  the  neighboring  port  of  La  Guayra.  Caraccas  is 
the  birth  place  of  Simon  Bolivar,  the  great  South  American 
General. 

VALENCIA,  situated  upon  the  lake  of  the  same  name,  is 
engaged  in  an  active  trade.  Population  17,000. 

MARACAYBO,  a  fortified  city  and  seaport,  situated  on  the 
west  side  of  the  lake  of  the  same  name,  has  10,000  inhabi- 
tants. The  houses  are  generally  built  of  brick,  and  thatched 
with  a  kind  of  reed  growing  upon  the  banks  of  the  lake. 
It  has  a  deep  harbor,  but  obstructed  by  a  bar. 

LA  GUAYRA  and  PUERTO  CABELLO,  are  both  seaports  on  the  Caribbean  Sea, 
the  former  the  port  of  the  capital,  and  the  latter  of  Valencia. 

MKRIDA,  VARINAS,  BOLIVAR  CITY  and  ESMERALDAS,  are  the  principal  re- 
maining towns  of  importance  in  Venezuela. 

To  Venezuela  belongs  the  island  of  Margarita,  one  of  the  Lesser  Antilles. 

EQUADOR. 

Area  240,000  square  miles.     Population  500,000. 

Equador,  like  most  of  the  South  American  States,  was 
settled  by  colonists  from  Spain,  and  was  governed  by  vice- 
roys appointed  by  that  government,  up  to  the  breaking  out  of 
the  rebellion  in  1808,  which  did  not,  however,  result  in  its 
independence  until  1822,  several  of  the  early  attempts  at 
insurrection  having  been  suppressed.  After  this  time  it  was 
united  as  a  constituent  part  of  Colombia,  and  so  remained 
until  1831,  when  the  ill-united  States  composing  this  repub- 
lic agreed  to  separate  amicably,  and  to  share  the  Colombian 
debt  amongsi  them.  These  three  States  have  remained 
separate  republics  since  that  period.  Equador  is  bounded 
north  by  New  Granada,  east  by  the  Empire  of  Brazil,  south 
by  Peru,  and  west  by  the  Pacific. 

'  -  Sitfface,  fyc.— ^Equador  is  exceedingly  mountainous,  being 
traversed  by  the  Cordilleras,  or  ranges  of  the  Andes,  which 
stretch  over  a  great  extent  of  the  country,  and  spread  out  into 
elevated  plateaus,  called  Paramas.  These  lofty  plains  lying 
between  the  Andes  mountains  compose  most  of  the  cultivat- 
ed part  of  Equador,  and  form  the  most  elevated  table  lands 
upon  the  globe,  As  many  as  $%  mountains  rise  in  this  State 
of  South  America,  above  fh^  limits  of  i'pol^l  SNOW*  end 


SOUTH  AMERICA.  205 

the  majority  of  these  are  volcanoes,  amongst  which  is  the 
famed  Cotopaxi,  the  most  grand  and  terrific  volcano  in  the 
world,  emitting  flame  sometimes  to  the  height  of  3000  feet. 
Its  roaring  has  been  heard  at  Honda,  a  distance  of  600  miles. 
No  other  group  of  volcanic  mountains  upon  the  earth  equals 
those  of  Equador.  Here  rises  the  magnificent  and  awe-in- 
spiring Mt.  Chimborazo,  to  the  height  of  19,420  feet,  long  re- 
garded as  the  loftiest  mountain  in  the  world.  It  however 
fails  to  retain  this  distinction,  being  ascertained  to  be  the 
sixth  in  height  amongst  the  lofty  peaks  of  the  Andes,  In 
1802  Humboldt  ascended  to  within  about  2000  feet  of  its 
summit,  then  supposed  to  be  the  highest  point  reached  by 
man,  but  in  1831  Boussingault  attained  an  elevation  still 
higher  than  that  reached  by  Humboldt  and  his  companions. 
The  soil  of  the  table  land  is  in  many  places  fertile. 

Rivers. — The  principal  rivers  of  Equador  rise  in  the  Andes 
and  unite  with  the  Amazon,  which  forms  a  large  part  of  the 
southern  boundary.  The  Putumayo,  the  Loreto,  the  Amby- 
uca,  the  Napo,  the  Tigre,  the  Chambira,  the  Pastaza,  the  Mo- 
rona,  and  the  Santiago,  all  flow  southeast  into  the  Amazon. 
The  rivers  discharging  their  waters  into  the  Pacific  are  small. 

Climate. — Equador  possesses  a  variable  climate,  depen- 
dent upon  the  elevation.  Although  lying  beneath  the  equa- 
tor, much  of  it  enjoys  a  perpetual  spring;  but  along  the  coast  it 
is  hot  and  sickly.  The  climate  of  Quito  is  one  of  the  most 
equable  and  delightful  in  the  world.  In  Equador,  only  two 
seasons  alternate,  a  wet,  commencing  in  December,  and  end- 
ing in  May,  and  a  dry,  beginning  in  June  and  terminating  in 
November.  During  the  wet  season  it  does  not  rain  continually, 
but  fertilizing  showers  are  Irequent,  and  the  dry  season  is 
chiefly  characterized  by  high  winds  and  no  rain. 

Products. — No  country,  perhaps,  is  superior  to  Equador,  in 
the  great  variety  of  its  vegetation,  yielding  the  products,  fruits, 
flowers  and  shrubs  of  every  region,  from  the  torrid  to  the 
frigid  zone.  Here  grow  cacao,  coffee,  banana,  maize,  pota- 
toes, rice,  sugar  cane,  oats,  barley,  wheat,  rye,  peas,  and 
beans;  also  all  the  garden  vegetables  of  the  temperate  regions, 
and  in  forest  trees  Equador  surpasses  most  countries  of  the 
globe.  Many  of  the  choicest  remedies  of  medical  science  are 
iound  in  this  country,  Tobacco  is  an  important  crop, 

Minerals, — Equador  yields  gold,  silver,  iron,  mercury,  lead, 
tin,  Kinc,  copper,* antimony,  manganese,  sulphur,  and  wit? 


206  GEOGRAPHICAL   HAND  BOOK. 

also  marble,  alabaster,  and  asphalt.  Precious  stones  are 
scarce,  but  rubies  and  beautiful  rock  chrystals  have  been 
found. 

Animals. — The  carnivorous  animals  comprise  the  Jaguar, 
ounce,  panther,  puma,  tiger,  and  wolf.  The  deer,  guanaco, 
vicuna,  antelope,  and  an  infinite  variety  of  monkeys  live  here. 
The  horse  and  the  ox  roam  wild  over  the  plains  as  in  other 
parts  of  South  America.  Equador  is  infested  with  great 
quantities  of  reptiles ;  the  forests  are  vocal  with  birds  of  the 
most  charming  melody;  and  the  rivers  sparkle  with  numerous 
varieties  of  fishes. 

Manufactures. — Manufactures  are  very  limited,  and  em- 
brace little  but  the  braiding  of  Guayaquil  hats,  the  making  of 
hammocks,  sugar,  «oarse  cloth  from  cotton  and  wool,  and  of 
the  ruder  ornaments  of  gold  and  silver. 

Education. — Education  is  at  a  low  ebb  in  Equador.  Not 
over  one  out  of  sixty  attend  school,  and  of  this  number  a 
tenth  are  in  colleges.  In  some  provinces  there  are  no  schools. 
One  university  and  several  colleges  have  been  established. 

Government. — The  government  is  republican.  The  legis- 
lative power  is  exercised  by  a  Senate  and  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives, and  the  president  with  a  vice-president  discharges 
the  executive  functions  of  government  Slavery  is  not  per- 
mitted, nor  are  orders  of  nobility  tolerated.  Trial  by  jury  is 
guaranteed  as  the  privilege  of  every  offender.  The  Roman 
Catholic  is  the  dominant  church. 

*  QUITO,  situated  on  the  east  flank  of  the  volcano  of  Pichin- 
cha,  10,233  feet  high,  is  the  capital  of  Ecuador,  and  one  of 
the  most  handsome  of  South  American  cities.  Its  high  ele- 
vation imparts  to  its  climate  a  degree  of  mildness  and  salu- 
brity rarely  met  with  in  the  tropics.  The  average  tempera- 
ture of  its  climate  is  about  60°  Fahrenheit,  and  may  be  des- 
cribed as  an  eternal  spring.  Surrounded  as  it  is  by  mountains, 
the  city  forms  the  centre  of  one  of  the  finest  landscapes 
upon  the  globe,  having  1 1  snow-capped  peaks  of  the  Andes 
in  full  view.  Quito  contains  a  great  number  of  beautiful 
squares,  the  most  noted  of  which  are  those  of  San  Francisco, 
Santa  Domingo  and  Plaza  Mayor.  The  most  splendid 
church  is  that  of  the  Jesuits.  It  has  a  university  and  a  public 
library  of  15,000  volumes;  and  this  city  has  been  called  "  the 
South  American  Athens."  Its  manufactures  include  those 
of  coarse  cotton  and  woolen  goods,  lace,  hosiery,  confection- 
ery and  jewelry.  Its  trade  in  grain,  indigo,  iron,  steel,  pre- 


SOUTH  AMERICA.  20t 

cious  metals,  wine,  brandy  and  oil,  is  considerable.  In  the 
vicinity  of  Quito  lies  the  plain  of  Anaquito,  famed  for  the 
battle  fought  between  Pizarro  and  the  viceroy  of  Peru,  in 
which  the  latter  was  defeated.  Population  80,000. 

Cuenca,  built  on  a  delightful  plain,  8,640  feet  high,  near 
the  river  Matadero,  is  regarded  as  one  of  the  handsomest  ci- 
ties of  Equador.  The  streets  are  broad  and  regular,  and  it 
contains  some  beautiful  buildings.  Most  of  the  private  houses, 
however,  are  low  and  present  a  mean  appearance.  Its  chief 
trade  is  in  grain,  hats,  bark,  and  dairy  produce.  The  contigu- 
ous country  produces  grain,  sugar,  cotton,  bark  and  cochineal. 
On  the  surrounding  plain  was  fought,  in  1828,  the  battle  of 
Tarqui,  between  the  Colombian  and  Peruvian  forces.  Pop- 
ulation 25,000. 

GUAYAQUIL,  situated  on  the  west  bank  of  the  river  of  the 
same  name,  40  miles  from  its  mouth,  and  150  miles  south- 
west of  Quito,  is  the  chief  sea-port  of  the  republic,  and  a 
flourishing  commercial  city.  It  occupies  a  level  with  the 
ocean ;  has  a  moist  atmosphere,  and  its  climate  is  exceedingly 
unhealthy.  The  city  is  infested  with  the  insects  and  reptiles 
common  to  the  country.  It  has  a  fine  harbor  and  excellent 
facilities  for  ship  building,  great  quantities  of  wood  being 
found  in  the  vicinity.  The  houses  are  mostly  built  of  wood, 
and  the  streets  are  dirty,  but  relieved  in  some  places  by  pub- 
lic squares.  The  city  is  defended  by  three  forts,  and  it  ex- 
ports cacao,  cotton,  bark,  leather  and  thread.  It  suffered 
severely  by  a  conflagration  in  1764.  Population  22,000. 

The  remaining  towns  of  importance  in  Equador,  are  Tacunga.  with  16,000 
nhabitants;  Riobamba,  16,000;  Ibarra,  13,000,  and  Loga,  10,000. 

PERU. 

Area  400,000  square  miles.     Population  2,500,000. 

Peru,  at  the  time  of  the  discovery  of  America,  was 
the  seat  of  the  greatest  and  most  powerful  empire  of  the 
New  World.  It  is  supposed  at  the  period  of  the  invasion  of  this 
empire  by  the  Spaniards,  that  it  had  existed  400  years,  and 
contained  from  four  to  eight  million  inhabitants.  Its  conquest 
was  accomplished  by  the  cruel  and  perfidious  Francisco  Pi- 
zarro, in  1533,  and  from  the  time  of  its  subjugation  it  became 
a  Spanish  viceroy alty,  and  so  remained  up  to  1824,  when  it 
secured  its  independence  in  the  battle  of  Ayacucho.  It  was 
the  last  of  the  Spanish  colonies  in  South  America  to  revolt 


208  GEOGRAPHICAL   HAND-BOOK. 

from  the  mother  country.  Almost  since  the  period  of  its  in- 
dependence the  Peruvians  have  been  engaged  in  a  series  of 
revolutions,  led  on  by  military  chieftains ;  at  one  time  one 
leader  of  a  particular  faction  gaining  the  ascendancy,  arid  at 
another  his  rival. 

It  is  bounded  north  by  Equador,  east  by  the  empire  of 
Brazil  and  Bolivia,  south  by  Bolivia  and  the  Pacific,  and 
west  by  the  Pacific. 

Surface,  fyc. — A  great  variety  of  surface  is  met  with  in 
Peru.  Two  Cordilleras  of  the  Andes  traverse  the  country, 
dividing  it  into  three  distinct  regions,  each  characterized  by 
a  peculiar  soil,  climate  and  vegetation.  The  coast  region  is 
low,  poor,  and  but  sparsely  inhabited ;  the  regions  between 
the  Andes  are  elevated,  and  form  the  chief  seat  of  the  Peru- 
vian population ;  and  the  eastern  division  is  composed  of 
extensive  plains  which  are  covered  with  impenetrable  forests. 
The  coast  range  of  the  Andes  mountains  has  an  average  ele- 
vation of  15,000  feet,  and  the  eastern  range  17,000.  The  peak 
of  Nevada  de  Chuquibamba  rises  to  the  height  of  21,000  feet. 
Omatiy  the  volcano  next  to  Cotopaxi,  the  most  celebrated  in 
South  America,  with  a  height  of  20,300  feet,  is  a  peak  of  the 
Peruvian  Andes. 

Rivers. — The  principal  river  is  the  Amazon,  which  rises 
in  one  of  the  Peruvian  lakes,  and  flows  north  for  400  miles 
between  the  Cordilleras  of  the  Andes,  and  afterwards  bends 
to  the  east.  The  chief  confluents  of  this  country  are  the  Hu- 
alaga,  500  miles  long  and  the  Ucayle  with  the  same  length, 
both  flowing  north  and  uniting  with  the  Amazon.  The 
Ucayle  is  formed  by  the  conflux  of  the  Apurimac  arid  the 
Paro. 

Climate. — There  are  four  varieties  of  climate  in  Peru:  1st, 
that  upon  the  coast,  upon  part  of  which  rain  never  falls,  and  on 
the  greater  part  of  which  a  shower  is  remarkable;  2d,  that  of 
the  highlands,  which  is  mild  and  variable,  with  occasional 
showers  ;  3d,  that  of  the  Cordillera  and  Andes,  which  is  very- 
cold  ;  4th,  that  of  the  country  east  of  the  Andes,  which  is 
warm  and  damp. 

Products. — But  little  attention  is  devoted  to  agriculture  in 
Peru,  and  the  chief  products  are  tobacco,  sugar  and  cotton; 
The  banana,  orange,  pine  apple,  papaya,  chirimoya,  palta, 
and  most  culinary  vegetables  grow  in  this  country,  The 
is  QuWvated  non  \\\Q  west  coast,  for  the  manufacture  ot 


SOUTH  AMERICA.  209 

biandy.  The  forests  yield  the  Peruvian  or  Jesuit's  bark  of 
commerce,  from  which  quinine  is  extracted.  Great  similarity 
exists  between  the  vegetation  of  Peru  and  that  of  the  Colom- 
bian republics. 

Minerals. — Peru  has  long  been  famous  for  the  richness  of 
its  mines  of  silver  and  gold,  particularly  the  former;  but  these 
deposits  of  the  precious  metals  are  less  productive  than 
formerly.  Silver  is  found  in  almost  all  parts  of  the  country, 
and,  gold  is  obtained  in  all  the  mountain  passes,  and  the  An- 
des rivers  wash  down  the  auriferous  sand.  Besides  ihese 
minerals,  quicksilver,  copper,  iron  and  lead  exist  in  Peru. 

Animals. — Animals  are  rare  in  east  Peru,  the  principal 
found  here  being  a  few  deer  and  wild  swine  in  the  valley  of 
Lima,  the  llama  upon  the  highlands,  and  the  vicuna.  Exten- 
sive districts  of  this  part  of  Peru  are  entirely  destitute  of 
animal  life.  East  of  the  Andes,  on  the  contrary,  the  country 
is  remarkable  for  the  abundance  of  animals.  The  rivers 
likewise  swarm  with  alligators,  and  the  boa  constrictor  at- 
tains here  a  terrific  size. 

Manufactures. — Peru  is  engaged  but  little  in  manufactu- 
ring. Cotton  and  coarse  woolen  goods,  straw  hats,  mats  and 
a  few  other  articles  compose  the  chief  manufactures.  Tan- 
ning, dyeing,  soap  making  and  distilling,  are  carried  on  to 
some  extent. 

Education. — The  education  of  the  lower  classes  is  almost 
entirely  neglected.  In  the  interior  it  is  difficult  to  find  per- 
sons who  can  read  and  write.  The  Universicy  at  Lima, 
founded  in  1570,  is  not  so  well  attended  as  formerly.  This 
is  the  oldest  University  in  America. 

Government. — The  government  is  in  theory  a  republic,  but 
it  has  degenerated  in  practice  into  a  military  despotism.  The 
Roman  Catholic  is  the  established  church,  and  but  little  toler- 
ation is  extended  to  other  denominations.  Slavery  existed 
in  Peru  until  1855,  when  the  slaves  were  freed  by  the  proc- 
lamation of  Gen.  Castilla. 

LIMA,  situated  in  the  midst  of  a  spacious  and  delightful 
valley,  seven  miles  from  the  Pacific,  is  the  capital  of  Peru.  Jt  is 
surrounded  by  walls  nine  feet  thick  at  the  top,  and  from  18 
to  25  high,  and  these  form  a  circuit  around  the  city  of  about 
nine  miles.  Its  streets  are  33  feet  wide,  and  cross  each  other 
at  right  angles,  and  the  houses  are  low,  irregular,  and  built  of 
adobes.  The  plaza  mayor,  or  great  square,  occupies  the_cenr 


210  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND   BOOK. 

tre,  and  each  of  its  sides  measures  510  feet.  On  the  east  side 
stands  the  Cathedral,  320  by  180  feet,  beneath  the  grand  altar 
of  which  lies  the  body  of  Pizarro,  who  founded  the  city  in 
1535.  Lima  contains  two  theatres,  an  amphitheatre  for 
cock  fighting,  and  one  for  bull  fights,  capable  of  accomodat- 
ing  12,000  spectators.  The  usual  articles  of  manufacture 
are  gold  lace,  glass,  cotton,  cigars,  chocolate,  and  paper.  Its 
climate  is  delightful,  mild,  and  equable.  The  vicinity  of  the 
city  yields  maize,  barley,  beans,  vegetables,  sugar,  rice,  tobac- 
co, grapes,  olives,  and  melons.  Lima  is  liable  to  earth- 
quakes, the  last  of  which  occured  in  1828,  causing  a  great 
destruction  of  property.  Population,  100,000. 

Cuzco,  550  miles  southeast  of  Lima,  was  the  capital  of  the 
ancient  Peruvian  Empire,  and  was  founded,  1043,  by  Manco 
Capac,  the  first  Inca  of  Peru.  At  the  time  of  its  conquest  by 
Pizarro,  the  city  is  said  to  have  comprised  200,000  inhabit- 
ants. It  contained  the  splendid  temple  ot  the  sun,  a  large 
image. of  which,  made  of  pure  gold,  was  worshipped  by  the 
ancient  Peruvians.  The  value  of  the  jewels  that  adorned 
this  temple,  were  estimated  at  $180,000,000.  This  was  the 
Peruvian  Mecca,  to  which  a  pilgrimage  was  as  binding  upon 
the  Indian  worshippers,  as  that  in  the  east  upon  the  Moslem. 
Many  vestiges  of  the  ancient  grandeur  of  this  capital  are  yet 
visible  in  and  around  the  city.  The  celebrated  Incas'  road 
leading  from  here  is  yet  in  existence.  The  principal  objects 
of  trade  in  this  city,  are  cotton  goods  and  leather.  Popula- 
tion 50,000. 

AREQUIPA,  situated  in  the  southern  part  of  Peru,  40  miles 
from  the  Pacific  coast,  is  well  built,  and  is  one  of  the  finest 
towns  of  South  America.  It  has  a  fine  climate  and  its 
manufactures  of  gold  and  silver  cloth,  and  of  woolen  and 
cotton  goods  are  considerable.  It  exports  brandy,  wine,  flour, 
cotton  and  sugar,  and  imports  cattle,  dried  flesh,  tallow,  and 
cocoa.  The  city  has  upon  four  different  occasions  been  laid 
in  ruins  by  earthquakes.  The  famous  volcano  of  Arequipa, 
constantly  active,  lies  14  miles  distant.  Population  36,000. 

GUAMANGA,  220  miles  southeast  of  the  capital,  is  a  hand- 
some and  well  built  city,  with  26,000  inhabitants.  Its  prin- 
cipal public  edifices  are  the  Cathedral,  a  magnificent  struc- 
ture, and  the  University.  It  was  founded  by  Pizarro  in  1539, 
and  some  years  afterwards  was  the  place  where  Almagro's 
followers  were  executed. 


60UTH  AMERICA.  211 

GALLIC,  the  seaport  of  Lima  is  strongly  fortified,  and  was  the  last  strong 
hold  of  the  Spaniards  in  South  America, 

CAXAMARCA  AND  CAXATAMBO,  situated  in  the  interior,  are  small  towns,  car- 
rying on  a  brisk  trade. 

ABICA,  its  chief  port,  through  which  the  Bolivian  commerce  is  carried  on. 

PAYTA,  is  much  visited  by  American  whalers. 

TRUXILLO,  a  handsome  town,  named  by  Pizarro  after  the  place  of  his  na- 
tivity in  Spain. 

BOLIVIA. 

Area  475,000  square  miles.     Population  1,987,000. 

The  early  history  of  Bolivia  is  only  to  be  sought  for  in 
that  of  Peru,  having  originally  formed  an  integral  part  of  the 
latter,  and  its  separate  existence  alone  dates  from  1825.  By 
a  declaration  of  its  citizens  of  August  5th,  1825,  it  was  erected 
into  a  separate  government,  and  received  its  name  from 
Simon  Bolivar.  Its  first  constitution  draughted  by  the  liber- 
als, was  republican  only  in  name,  but  was  soon  altered,  and 
this  country  has  been  in  the  midst  of  almost  constant  revolu- 
tion from  that  time  until  the  present.  It  is  bounded  north 
by  Peru  and  the  Empire  of  Brazil,  east  by  Brazil  and  Para- 
guay,  south  by  the  Argentine  Confederation  and  Chili,  and 
west  by  the  Pacific  ocean  and  the  republic  of  Peru. 

Surface,  fyc. — Bolivia  exhibits  a  remarkable  variety  of 
soil  and  surface.  The  Andes  advance  through  it  with  great 
elevations,  aud  the  eastern  and  western  chains  inclose  a  vast 
plateau  of  from  200  to  300  miles  in  length,  and  100  in 
breadth.  This  plateau  lies  at  the  height  of  about  14,000  feet 
and  along  its  eastern  border  many  great  peaks  of  the  Andes 
rise  to  the  height  of  from  18,000  to  25,000  feet.  Here  rise 
^Mounts  Sorato,  25,400  feet,  and  *Illimani  24,200  feet,  besides 
numerous  other  lofty  peaks.  Beyond  the  lofty  mountain 
sentinels  of  the  eastern  range  of  the  Andes,  lies  a  vast  plain 
of  great  fertility,  which  is  drained  by  numerous  rivers,  and 
partially  covered  with  extensive  forests.  The  Atlantic  sec- 
tion of  Bolivia  is  an  arid  and  gloomy  desert,  where  no  rain 
falls  and  where  vegetation  is  scarcely  visible. 

Rivers. — The  principal  rivers  of  Bolivia  belong  either  to 
the  basin  of  the  Amazon  or  the  La  Plata :  of  the  former 
may  be  mentioned  the  Beni,  Mamore,  Rio  Grande,  and  the 
Chapri ;  and  of  the  latter  the  Pilcomayo  and  the  Paraguay.  On 
the  west  coast  nearly  all  the  streams  descending  from  the 

*A  late  measurement  gives  a  less  elevation  to  these  two  peaks  of  the 
Andes. 


212  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

Andes  to  the  Pacific  are  absorbed  before  reaching  the  ocean. 

Climate. — The  climate  is  exceedingly  variable.  Rain  is 
scarcely  ever  known  to  fall  west  of  the  Andes,  but  in  some 
places  eastward  of  these  mountains  it  rains  every  day.  The 
air  on  the  highlands,  lying  between  the  mountains,  is  cool 
arid  refreshing,  but  difficult  of  respiration  to  those  unaccus- 
tomed to  it.  Ice  is  also  frozen  every  night  on  these  elevated 
plateaus.  On  the  plains  east  of  the  Andes,  the  heat  of  a 
tropical  sun  is  felt,  and  the  climate  is  unhealthy. 

Products. — The  low  plains  of  eastern  Bolivia  yield  the 
tropical  fruits  in  abundance ;  coffee,  cacao,  tobacco,  cotton, 
maize,  indigo,  yuca,  potatoes  guavas  and  sugar  cane.  Near 
the  shores  of  Lake  Titicaca,  excellent  pasturage  is  found  for 
cattle  and  goats,  but  higher  up  on  the  mountains  the  vegeta- 
tion is  chiefly  of  an  Alpine  character.  The  bamboo,  the 
paper  mulberry,  the  Paraguay  tea,  and  Peruvian  bark,  are 
found  in  Bolivia. 

Animals. — The  llama,  the  alpaca,  the  bear  and  the  rough 
haired  deer  inhabit  the  highlands  ;  the  tapir,  the  glutton,  the 
sloth  and  the  armadillo,  furnish  meat  for  the  natives;  and 
the  vampire  bat  is  so  destructive  to  cattle,  as  almost  to  prevent 
the  raising  of  them.  Birds  of  every  size,  character  and  plu- 
mage are  found  in  Bolivia,  from  the  diminutive  humming 
bird  to  the  condor,  which  soars  above  the  Andes. 

Minerals. — Gold  and  silver  have  been  mined  here,  but  the 
searching  for  these  minerals  is  not  now  profitable.  The  tin 
mines  of  Guanuni  are  said  to  be  the  richest  in  the  worlc},  and 
copper  has  been  found  almost  pure. 

Manufactures. — The  manufactures  are  extremely  limited, 
embracing  chiefly  the  making  of  woolen  and  cotton  goods, 
hats  made  of  the  wool  of  the  vicuna,  tin  ware  and  fire  arms. 

Government, — The  form  of  the  Bolivian  government  is 
republican,  and  the  Roman  Catholic  is  the  prevaling  religion, 
but  no  prerogatives  have  been  guaranteed  to  one  church 
above  another.  Freedom  of  speech  and  of  the  press  are 
cardinal  principles  of  the  constitution. 

SUCRE  OR  CHUQUISACA,  situated  upon  a  plain  9,343  feet 
above  the  level  of  the  sea,  is  the  capital  of  Bolivia.  The 
houses  are  generally  well  built,  two  stories  high  and  sur- 
rounded with  gardens.  The  buildings  worthy  of  notice  are 
the  Cathedral,  a  superb  edifice,  built  in  the  Moresque  style  ; 
the  President's  Palace  and  the  churches  of  San  Francisco  and 


SOUTH  AMERICA.  213 

San  Miguel.  It  is  the  see  of  an  archbishop  and  contains  the 
university  of  St.  Xavier  and  a  public  library,  said  to  be  the 
largest  in  South  America.  The  city  was  founded  in  1539, 
by  one  of  Pizarro's  officers.  Population  20,000. 

LA  PAZ  DE  AYACUCHO,  built  upon  the  eastern  declivity  of 
the  Andes,  at  an  elevation  of  12,000  feet,  and  200  miles  north- 
west of  the  capital,  is  the  largest  city  of  Bolivia.  It  contains 
a  beautiful  public  square,  but  the  streets  are  irregular  and 
steep.  This  city  is  the  commercial  emporium  of  the  country 
and  it  carries  on  an  active  trade.  The  Cathedral  is  a  noble 
edifice  and  one  of  the  handsomest  buildings  of  the  city. 
The  name  of  the  city  was  changed  in  1825  to  the  present, 
in  honor  of  the  national  victory.  Population  45,000. 

POTOSI,  situated  on  a  slope  of  the  mountain  of  the  same 
name,  at  an  elevation  of  13,500  feet,  ranks  next  to  La  Paz  in 
importance.  This  city  is  celebrated  for  its  former  rich  silver 
mines,  and  it  is  supposed  that  its  population  at  one  time 
amounted  to  150,000  inhabitants.  A  monument  was  erected 
here  in  1825,  in  honor  of  Gen.  Bolivar.  Population  23,000, 

COCHABAMBA,  built  upon  both  sides  of  the  Rio  de  Rocha, 
in  the  midst  of  an  agricultural  country,  has  continued  to  ex- 
hibit a  steady  growth,  and  it  contains  25,000  inhabitants 
The  houses  are  generally  but  one  story  high  and  are  sur- 
rounded with  beautiful  gardens.  The  women  of  this  city 
distinguished  themselves  in  the  South  American  war  of  in- 
dependence in  1815,  by  their  courage  and  patriotism. 

COBIJA  or  PUERTO  DE  LA  MAR,  the  only  seaport  in  Bolivia,  is  a  small  place 
and  its  trade  is  unimportant.     Ship  building  is  carried  on  to  some  extent. 
SAHTIAGO  DE  COLAGAYTA  and  ORURO,  are  small  towns. 

CHILI. 

Area  170,000  square  miles.     Population  1,558,000. 

After  the  conquest  of  Peru  by  Pizarro  he  sent,  in  1535, 
Almagro  to  subdue  Chili,  which  had  been  hitherto  governed 
by  the  Inca  of  Peru.  Almagro  succeeded  in  reducing  the 
northern  part  to  subjection,  but  in  the  southern  parts  he  met 
some  warlike  tribes  of  Indians,  who  baffled  his  own  and  the 
efforts  of  all  who  attempted  their  conquest.  A  war  was 
carried  on  by  the  Spaniards  against  these  hostile  tribes  with 
varying  success  for  one  hundred  and  fifty  years.  Chili  was 
governed  by  Spanish  viceroys  until  1810,  when  a  revolution 
broke  out,  which  in  1817  terminated  in  the  independence  of 


214  GEOGRAPHICAL   HAND   BOOK. 

the  country.  It  is  bounded  north  by  Bolivia,  east  by  the 
Argentine  Confederation  and  Patagonia,  south  by  Patagonia 
and  the  Pacific,  and  west  by  the  Pacific. 

Surface,  fyc. — Ghili  exhibits  a  diversified  surface.  The 
whole  country  is  an  inclined  plain,  sloping  from  the  summit 
of  the  Andes  to  the  Pacific  ocean.  This  sloping  plain  is 
in  many  places  mountainous,  consisting  of  ramifications  of 
the  principal  chain,  and  many  deep  and  fertile  valleys  lie  be- 
tween these  mountains.  A  large  proportion  of  the  moun- 
tains of  Chili  have  been  at  one  time  or  other  volcanic.  In 
the  northern  part  is  the  elevated  plateau  called  the  desert  of 
Atacama.  The  Andes,  forming  the  eastern  border,  maintain  a 
higher  mean  elevation  here  than  in  any  other  country  of  South 
America,  unless  Equador  be  excepted,  and  they  shoot  nu- 
merous lofty  peaks,  many  of  which  are  volcanoes.  Aconca- 
gua has  been  regarded  the  loftiest  volcano  in  the  world,  but 
its  volcanic  character  has  recently  been  doubted;  Earth- 
quakes are  common. 

Rivers. — No  rivers  of  any  importance  are  found  in  Chili, 
owing  to  the  narrowness  of  the  country.  The  Maule,  the 
Maypu,  the  Biobio,  the  Copiapo  and  the  Huasco,  are  all 
small  streams. 

Climate. — Chili  possesses  one  of  the  healthiest  climates  in 
the  world,  and  the  temperature  near  the  sea  is  more  delight- 
ful even  than  in  the  interior.  Being  south  of  the  equator, 
the  months  of  January  and  February  are  the  hottest  in  the 
year,  but  refreshing  breezes  cool  the  air  during  the  night. 
Rain  only  falls  from  June  to  November ;  in  the  northern  part, 
however,  it  may  be  said  to  never  rain.  Snow  falls  in  the 
interior  parts  of  the  Cordilleras. 

Products. — Wheat,  corn  and  other  grains  are  cultivated, 
but  agriculture  is  in  a  very  backward  state.  In  the  elevated 
valleys  many  vineyards  are  planted  and  the  grapes  grown  are 
excellent.  Chili  is  the  native  country  of  the  potato.  Apples, 
pears,  apricots,  nectarines,  plums,  peaches,  cherries,  figs, 
oranges,  watermelons  and  gourds  are  abundant  in  their 
season. 

Minerals. — Chili  abounds  in  mineral  treasures,  particularly 
in  the  northern  part.  Gold,  silver  and  copper  have  been 
mined  here  in  great  quantities;  also  lead,  iron,  bismuth, 
cobalt,  antimony,  arsenic  and  quicksilver  are  known  to  ex- 
ist. Extensive  deposits  of  coal  have  recently  been  discovered. 


SOTJTII  AMERICA.  21 6 

Animals. — Many  cattle  are  reared  in  Chili.  The  large 
and  fierce  animals  are  not  so  plenty  in  this,  as  in  other  coun- 
tries of  South  America,  and  it  is  likewise  quite  free  from 
noxious  insects  and  reptiles.  Whales,  dolphins,  codfish  and 
pilchards  are  caught  upon  the  coast: 

Manufactures. — The  people  of  Chili  have  not  become 
much  engaged  in  a  career  of  manufacturing.  The  branches 
of  this  species  of  industry,  comprise  the  manufacture  of 
earthen  jars,  hempen  cloth,  cordage,  soap,  copper  wares, 
leather,  brandies,  tallow,  and  charcoal; 

Education. — Education  seerns  to  be  Steadily  advancing, 
and  normal  schools  and  lyceums  dre  being  established  over 
the  country.  The  higher  classes  are  generally  well  educated, 
and  considerable  efforts  have  recently  been  made  for  the  gene- 
ral diffusion  of  intelligence.  A  miltary  school  has  been 
established  at  Santiago. 

Government. — The  Government  is  republican,  and  its  ad- 
ministration has  for  some  years  been  regarded  as  the  best  of 
the  South  American  republics*  The  executive  is  elected  for 
five  years,  and  the  legislative  power  is  in  the  hands  of  a  Senate 
and  House  of  Deputies.  The  Catholic  is  the  established 
Church,  but  others  are  tolerated. 

Inhabitants. — The  inhabitants  are  chiefly  of  Spanish  and 
Indian  descent.  The  white  population,  especially  the  fe- 
males, imitate  in  general  the  French  fashions  in  their  dress. 
Dancing  is  a  favorite  amusement,  and  the  evening  is  the  gay 
period  of  the  day,  when  the  shops  are  open  and  the  prome- 
nades are  thronged. 

SANTIAGO,  situated  in  the  midst  of  a  beautiful  plain  at  the 
foot  of  the  Andes,  is  the  capital,  and  the  largest  city  in  Chili. 
The  streets  are  broad,  regular,  and  lighted  with  gas,  and 
owing  to  the  prevalence  of  earthquakes  the  houses  are  rarely 
more  than  one  story  high.  A  better  style  of  architecture  has 
recently  been  introduced,  and  at  this  time  some  stately  man- 
sions grace  the  capital  of  Chili.  Several  handsome  prome- 
nades adorn  the  city,  the  most  fashionable  of  which  are  the 
Alameda,  and  the  Tajamar.  The  edifices  of  note  are  the 
Mint,  one  of  the  handsomest  structures  in  the  city;  and  the 
Cathedral,  a  fine  building,  but  considerably  injured  by  earthj 
quakes.  Santiago  is  the  See  of  an  Archbishop,  the  seat  of 
the  courts  of  law,  and  the  place  of  meeting  of  the  legislative 
bodies.  It  contains  a  University,  which  has  faculties  of  phi- 


216  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND   BOOK. 

losophy,  mathematics,  physical  sciences,  medicine,  law,  and 
theology.  It  is  united  to  Valparaiso  by  railway,  and  its  trade 
with  that  place  is  considerable.  It  is  the  seat  of  a  military 
and  naval  academy,  and  the  higher  classes  of  the  city  are 
well  educated.  Santiago  was  founded  in  1541  by  Valdivia, 
one  of  the  early  Spanish  conquerors.  Population,  107,000. 

VALPARAISO,  (Vale  of  Paradise,)  situated  on  the  Pacific 
coast,  is  the  principal  seaport  in  Chili,  and  is  noted  for  its 
rapid  growth  in  wealth,  population  and  importance.  It 
stands  upon  a  large  bay  90  miles  northwest  of  the  capital, 
and  its  situation  is  very  picturesque.  The  houses  present  an 
ordinary  appearance,  the  streets  are  poorly  paved,  and  but 
few  public  buildings  meet  the  eye  in  this  city,  worthy  of 
special  notice.  The  Custom  House  is  the  only  edifice  entitled 
to  particular  regard,  on  account  of  architectural  beauty  and 
design.  The  theatre  is  regarded  as  one  of  the  best  in  South 
America,  and  is  liberally  patronized.  No  public  library  or 
scientific  institutions  have  as  yet  been  established  here,  the 
people  showing  little  taste  for  reading  or  intellectual  culture. 
Valparaiso  is  the  great  commercial  emporium  of  the  South 
Pacific,  and  its  trade  is  very  extensive.  Population  60,000. 

COQUIMBO,  built  near  the  embouchure  of  the  river  Coquimbo  into  the 
bay  of  the  same  name,  is  a  place  of  considerable  trade,  with  8,000  inhabi- 
tants. 

CONCEPCION,  on  the  Biobio  river,  270  miles  south  west  of  Santiago,  con- 
tains various  learned  and  charitable  institutions,  and  10,000  inhabitants. 

TONGAY  and  CALDEBA,  are  small  towns  with  some  trade. 

HUASCO,  is  a  mining  town. 

LA  PLATA,  OR  THE  ARGENTINE  CONFEDERATION.) 

Area  780,000  square  miles.     Population  1,200,000. 

This  Confederation  is  composed  of  a  number  of  States 
that  revolted  against  Spain  in  1810  and  secured  their  inde- 
pendence, and  after  going  through  various  revolutions  and 
changes  of  government,  are  now  united  together  as  the 
Republic  of  La  Plata.  Between  the  years  1535  and  1855, 
this  republic  was  under  the  government  of  the  celebrated 
Rosas,  whose  rule  was  as  absolute  and  arbitrary  as  that  oft 
dictator,  and  the  government  was  republican  only  in  name] 
In  1853,  Buenos  Ayres,  the  most  important  of  the  States  com- 
posing the  Confederation,  separated  from  it,  but  as  this  State 
has  hitherto  failed  to  secure  the  requisite  recognition  of  inde- 
pendent nations,  it  is  yet  regarded  as  an  integral  part  of  the 


SOUTH  AMERICA.  217 

Argentine  Republic.  It  lies  in  the  southeastern  part.  The 
Confederation  is  bounded  north  by  Bolivia,  Paraguay  and  the 
Empire  of  Brazil,  east  by  Paraguay,  Brazil,  Uruguay  and 
the  Atlantic,  south  by  the  Atlantic  and  Patagonia,  and  west 
by  Chili  and  Bolivia. 

Surface,  8?c. — The  Andes  mountains  run  along  the  western 
border  of  the  republic.  From  these  the  surface  gradually  de- 
clines into  the  vast  plains  called  pampas,  which  furnish  pas- 
turage for  millions  of  wild  cattle.  In  some  places  lateral 
branches  of  the  Andes  extend  into  the  plains  to  the  distance 
of  200  miles,  and  these  high  grounds  are  the  most  desirable 
for  settlements.  The  tillable  land  is  generally  confined  to  the 
banks  and  mouths  of  rivers. 

Rivers. — The  Paraguay  flows  along  the  eastern  boundary 
into  the  Parana ;  this  river  afterwards  unites  with  the  Uruguay, 
and  the  two  form  the  Rio  de  la  Plata,  which  is  rather  an 
estuary  than  a  river.  The  chief  tributaries  of  the  Paraguay, 
in  the  Argentine  Confederation,  are  the  Pilcomayo,  the 
Vermejo,  the  Parana,  and  the  Salado.  The  Colorado  flows 
southeast  into  the  Atlantic. 

Climate. — As  the  Confederation  comprises  a  vast  extent  of 
country,  a  great  variety  of  climate  is  experienced.  Almost 
a  tropical  heat  prevails  on  the  northern  plains,  which  how- 
ever gradually  decreases  towards  the  south,  so  that  between 
the  35th  and  40th  degrees  of  south  latitude  snow  falls,  and 
thin  ice  is  visible  for  a  few  days.  Aridity  seems  to  be  the 
distinguishing  feature  of  the  climate. 

Products. — In  the  northern  parts,  corn,  rice,  sugar  and 
tobacco,  are  the  chief  products.  Wheat  and  barley  are  culti- 
vated in  the  vicinity  of  Buenos  Ayres,  and  in  some  other  sec- 
tions of  the  republic.  Considerable  quantities  of  wine  and 
brandy  are  made  in  Mendoza.  The  Paraguay  tea,  cochineal, 
cacoa,  and  madder,  are  obtained  in  large  quantities. 

Minerals. — Gold,  silver  and  copper,  are  obtained  in  the 
Andes  mountains.  Iron  has  been  found  almost  pure;  coal 
is  said  to  be  abundant  in  the  western  provinces;  and  sulphur, 
alum,  and  mineral  pitch,  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Andes. 

•Animals. — The  pampas  produce  pasturage  for  immense 
herds  of  wild  horses  and  horned  cattle.  Meat,  for  this  reason, 
is  cheaper  here  than  bread.  These  animals  furnish  the  prin- 
cipal articles  of  export,  consisting  of  hides,  horse  hair,  tallow, 

K 


218  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

horns,  and  dried  meat.     Sheep  are  numerous  in  the  western 
provinces,  and  wool  has  become  a  great  article  of  export. 

Manufactures.— The  principal  wealth  of  the  republic  con- 
sists in  its  herds  of  cattle  and  oheep.  Manufactures  are 
therefore  only  in  their  inception,  and  until  the  whole  state  of 
the  country  be  changed,  much  advancement  in  this  species 
of  industry  is  not  to  be  expected. 

Education. — The  advantages  of  education  throughout  this 
republic  seem  to  be  but  little  appreciated.  More  attention 
has  been  bestowed  upon  this  subject  in  Buenos  Ayres,  than 
in  any  other  part  of  the  Argentine  Confederation. 

Government. — The  people  of  this,  like  several  of  the  other 
South  American  States,  are  seduced  into  the  belief  that  they 
live  under  a  republican  form  of  government,  but  all  the  liber- 
ty left  is  what  the  will  of  a  dictator  (nominal  president)  con- 
cedes to  them.  The  prevailing  religion  is  the  Roman  Catholic. 
Slavery  no  longer  exists  in  this  republic. 

Inhabitants. — The  inhabitants  are  composed  of  whites,  ne- 
groes, Indians  and  their  descendants,  variously  intermingled. 
The  Spaniards,  although  few,  are  the  dominant  race.  The 
higher  classes  generally  adopt  European  manners.  The 
Gauchos,  or  the  inhabitants  of  the  pampas,  are  almost  always 
on  horseback,  and  are  engaged  in  the  catching  and  slaughter- 
ing of  cattle. 

BUENOS  AYRES,  the  chief  commercial  city  of  the  confeder- 
ation and  capital  of  the  State  so  named,  is  situated  on  the 
river  or  estuary  called  the  La  Plata,  150  miles  from  its 
mouth.  It  is  a  regularly  built  and  handsome  city,  and  is 
rapidly  increasing  in  wealth  and  importance.  The  houses 
of  the  natives  are  usually  one  story  high,  but  those  of  foreign 
residents  are  three  stories  in  height,  and  resemble  similar 
residences  in  the  United  States.  The  principal  public  build- 
ings erected  in  this  city  are  the  Cathedral,  one  of  the  largest 
and  richest  in  South  America;  the  Bishop's  Palace;  the  Re- 
presentatives Hall,  an  imitation  of  the  Capitol  at  Washington; 
and  the  Custom  House.  A  handsome  monument  stands 
erected  in  the  public  square  in  honor  of  South  American  in- 
dendence.  Numerous  literary  and  scientific  institutions  have 
baen  established  here,  and  the  public  library  numbers  30,000 
volumes.  The  La  Plata  opposite  the  city,  is  36  miles  wide, 
and  owing  to  rocks,  shoals  and  storms,  the  navigation  is 
quite  perilous,  thus  in  a  great  degree  retarding  its  commercial 


SOUTH  AMERICA.  219 

growth.  The  environs  of  the  city  are  delightful,  and  are 
chiefly  occupied  by  the  country  seats  of  the  wealthy.  Bue- 
nos Ayres,  as  its  name  indicates,  has  a  fine  climate,  the  air 
being  cool,  bracing,  and  very  healthy.  Living  is  exceedingly 
cheap,  meat  not  selling  for  more  than  two  or  three  cents  per 
pound.  This  city  was  founded  in  1580,  and  its  present 
population  is  estimated  to  reach  150,000. 

CORDOVA,  situated  387  miles  northwest  of  Buenos  Ayres, 
is  a  handsome  and  well-built  city,  containing  a  fine  Cathe- 
dral, and  many  other  interesting  edifices.  Its  University, 
built  by  the  Jesuits,  was  formerly  a  noted  seat  of  literature, 
but  since  their  banishment  has  lost  its  reputation.  This  city 
is  the  centre  of  communication  between  the  upper  provinces 
and  Buenos  Ayres.  Population  25,000. 

MENDOZA,  pleasantly  built  at  the  foot  of  the  Andes,  at  an 
elevation  of  2,890  feet,  is  a  beautiful  city,  noted  for  its  salu- 
brious climate.  The  houses  are  mostly  surrounded  with  gar- 
dens, and  ornamented  with  porticoes.  Numerous  vineyards  are 
planted  in  the  vicinity.  The  road  over  the  Andes  from  Bue- 
nos Ayres  to  Santiago  leads  by  this  place,  and  renders  it  the 
coriimercial  entrepot  between  these  two  places.  Population 
12,000. 

PARANA,  situated  on  the  east  side  of  the  river  of  this  name, 
is  the  capita]  of  the  Argentine  Confederation/ 

SAN  MIGUEL  DE  TUCUMAN,  is  noted  as  the  place  where  the  La  Plata  prov- 
inces promulgated  their  independence  ;  and  the  first  Congress  assembled  here 
in  1816.  Population  12,000. 

SALTA,  north  of  San  Miguel,  is  a  market  for  buying  and  selling  mules. 

Population  9,000. 

CARMEN,  RIOJA  and  SAN  JUAN,  are  small  towns. 

URUGUAY. 

Area  75,000  square  miles.  Population  250,000* 
Uruguay,  called  by  the  Spaniards  the  Banda  Oriental,  is  the 
smallest  of  the  South  American  States.  It  derives  its  name, 
Uruguay,  from  the  river  of  this  appellation,  which  forms  the 
western  boundary.  It  formed  for  many  years  the  object  of 
dispute  between  Brazil  and  Buenos  Ayres,  but  through  the 
.intervention  of  Great  Britain,  in  1825,  it  was  formed  into  an 
independent  republic.  It  lies  south  of  Brazil,  and  east  of  the 
Argentine  Confederation,  and  its  general  aspect  resembles  a 
vast  undulating  plain,  with  little  timber;  but  the  northern  part 
is  hilly.  The  soil  is  fertile,  and  the  climate  humid,  but  tern* 


220  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND-BOOK. 

perate  and  healthy.  The  plains  pasture  great  numbers  of 
cattle  and  horses ;  hides  and  tallow  are  the  chief  articles  of 
commerce.  Wheat,  maize,  beans,  and  melons  are  cultivated, 
and  the  soil  is  adapted  to  the  growth  of  most  of  the  fruits  of 
the  temperate  climes.  Agriculture  is  in  its  rudest  state,  and 
at  the  present  time  little  is  cultivated  but  what  supplies  home 
consumption. 

MONTEVIDEO,  the  capital,  situated  on  the  north  shore  of  the 
La  Plata,  130  miles  southeast  of  Buenos  Ayres  is,  in  general, 
a  well  built  and  handsome  city,  composed  of  houses  mostly 
one  story  high.  It  is  surrounded  by  a  wall  mounted  with 
guns,  and  is  also  strongly  defended  by  a  citadel  and  batteries. 
The  only  building  of  note  is  the  Cathedral.  Its  exports  are 
salted  beef,  hides,  hair,  tallow,  and  wool,  and  it  imports  cotton 
and  woolen  goods,  hardware,  flour,  wine,  sugar,  tobacco, 
salt,  and  boots.  Its  trade  is  very  considerable.  In  the  sum- 
mer the  heat  is  at  times  oppressive,  but  in  the  winter  the  air 
is  keen  and  piercing.  The  climate  in  general  is  regarded  as 
pleasant  and  salubrious.  The  United  States  Consul  in 
1859  says,  "  Montevideo  wants  nothing  but  peace  to  become 
the  commercial  emporium  of  the  river  La  Plata."  Popula- 
tion 15,000. 

MALDONADO,  a  fortified  seaport,  and  COLONIA,  are  both  small,  but  brisk 
towns.  « 

PARAGUAY. 

Area  84,000  square  miles.     Population  600,000. 

Paraguay  lies  south  of  Brazil,  between  the  Parana  and  the 
Paraguay  rivers.  It  is  in  general  level,  but  the  Brazilian 
mountains  in  the  north,  cause  the  surface  to  alternate  with  a 
pleasant  variety.  A  remarkable  fertility  characterises  the 
soil,  and  the  vegetation  is  unrivalled  for  luxuriance.  The 
climate,  although  a  tropical  one,  is  greatly  modified  by  the 
character  of  the  country,  and  other  circumstances.  Hail  and 
thunder  storms  are  frequent,  but  there  are  no  earthquakes. 
The  nights  are  cool  and  serene,  and  in  general  the  climate 
may  be  described  as  delightful  and  salubrious.  On  the  vast 
plains  roam  immense  herds  of  wild  cattle  and  the  forests  re- 
sound with  the  music  of  the  feathered  songsters.  The  most 
noted  product  is  the  Paraguay  tea,  which  supplies  the  favorite 
beverage  of  the  large  proportion  of  the  people  of  South 
America,  Besides  this  vegetable,  however,  the  usual  tropical 
fruits  grow  here  in  abundance.  Paraguay  is  likewise 


SOUTH  AMERICA.  221 

supposed  to  be  rich  in  mineral  treasures.  The  manufac- 
tures are  few.  The  chief  articles  manufactured  are  coarse 
cotton  and  woolen  goods,  and  some  liquors.  Paraguay  de- 
clared its  independence  of  Spain  in  1810,  and  between  1813 
and  1840  the  government  was  in  the  hands  of  the  celebrat- 
ed Dr.  Francia,  who  exercised  the  power  of  dictator.  Until 
his  death  no  foreigner  was  permitted  to  enter  the  country.  He 
caused  all  the  citizens  to  be  taught  the  elementary  branches 
of  an  education,  and  every  one  was  required  to  follow  some 
occupation.  The  Government  recognizes  the  existence  and 
meeting  of  a  congressional  body,  but  the  entire  law  making 
as  well  as  the  excutive  power,  is  essentially  vested  in  the 
President.  His  will  may  be  considered  the  law.  The  only 
religion  tolerated  is  the  Roman  Catholic.  The  people  of 
Paraguay  are  docile,  sedate  and  intelligent,  and  are  fond  of 
their  own  government,  but  ignorant  of  other  nations  and 
their  institutions. 

ASSUMPTION,  situated  on  the  left  bank  of  the  Paraguay 
river,  a  short  distance  above  the  mouth  of  the  Pilcomayo,  is 
the  capital  and  largest  city  of  the  republic.  Although 
founded  in  1535,  its  progress  for  300  years  was  scarcely  dis- 
cernible, but  the  present  century  has  witnessed  its  growth 
into  a  city  of  considerable  importance.  It  contains  a  hand- 
some Cathedral  erected  in  1845,  and  several  other  large  and 
splendid  edifices.  It  carries  on  a  large  trade  with  Buenos 
Ayres  and  other  parts  of  South  America.  The  exports  con- 
sist of  Paraguay  tea,  tobacco,  hides,  cedar  planks,  and  man- 
diocat  Trade  with  foreign  countries  was  interdicted  by  the 
former  rulers  of  Paraguay,  but  a  more  liberal  policy  has  re- 
cently been  introduced,  Population  12,000. 

ITAPUA,  CURUGUATT,  and  VILLA  RICA,  are  towns  of  some  importance. 
EMPIRE  OF  BRAZIL. 

Area  3,000,000  square  miles.     Population  7,000,000. 

Brazil  was  first  discovered  by  Yanez  Pincon,  a  companion 
of  Columbus,  in  January,  1500,  but  in  April  of  the  same  year,  a 
Portuguese  navigator  by  the  name  of  Pedro  Alvarez  de  Ca- 
bral,  made  a  more  accurate  survey  of  the  coast,  and  landed 
and  took  possession]of  the  country,  in  the  name  of  the  king  of 
Portugal.  As  early  as  1504,  the  Portuguese  planted  a  colony 
on  the  coast,  and  from  that  time  the  country  remained  under 
the  control  and  jurisdiction  of  the  crown  of  Portugal.  In 


222  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND-BOOK. 

1808,  on  the  invasion  of  Portugal  by  Napoleon,  John  VI. 
sailed  for  Brazil,  accompanied  by  his  court  and  a  large  body 
of  emigrants.  Here  he  remained  until  the  fall  of  Napoleon, 
when  he  raised  Brazil  to  the  rank  of  a  kingdom,  and  as- 
sumed the  title  of  king  of  Portugal,  Algarve,  and  Brazil.  In 
1820,  John  VI.  left  Brazil,  in  order  to  quiet  disturbances  in 
the  parent  kingdom,  leaving  his  son  Don  Pedro,  regent  of 
Brazil,  who,  in  1822,  at  the  solicitation  of  his  subjects,  pro- 
claimed the  independence  of  the  country,  and  was  crowned 
emperor  by  the  Brazilians. 

This  vast  empire  is  bounded  north  by  Venezuela,  Guiana 
and  the  Atlantic,  east  by  the  Atlantic,  south  by  the  same,  Ur- 
uguay, the  Argentine  Confederation,  Paraguay,  and  Bolivia, 
and  west  by  the  Argentine  Confederation,  Paraguay,  Bolivia, 
Peru,  Equador,  and  New  Granada. 

Surface,  fyc. — Brazil,  as  regards  surface,  is  nearly  equally 
divided  into  Upland  and  Lowland.  The  former  maintains 
an  average  elevation  of  from  2000  to  2500  feet,  in  no  place 
exceeding  6000  feet;  the  latter  comprises  the  Silvas,  or 
woody  region,  and  the  Llanos,  or  plains  and  flats.  The 
highlands,  or  the  mountainous  regions,  occupy  the  south- 
ern, central,  and  eastern  sections  of  this  vast  empire.  Along 
the  Amazon  and  its  affluents,  the  Silvas,  or  immense  plains 
lie,  which  are  said  to  comprise  an  area  equal  to  six  times  the 
territory  of  all  France.  A  chain  of  mountains  of  no  great 
elevation,  lies  on  the  north  of  the  empire  and  separates  it 
from  Venezuela  and  Guiana.  That  part  of  Brazil  lying  be- 
tween the  southeastern  range  of  mountains  and  the  ocean,  is 
generally  low  and  flat. 

Rivers. — The  river  system  of  this  vast  empire  is  by  far  the 
most  extensive  and  magnificent  in  the  world.  The  Ama- 
zon and  its  numerous  affluents  drain  the  whole  northern 
part  of  Brazil,  arid  this  king  of  rivers  flows  east  after  a  course 
of  about  4000  miles  into  the  Atlantic  ocean.  The  Rio  San 
Francisco  is  likewise  a  mammoth  river,  emptying  its  waters 
into  the  Atlantic.  The  Maranhao,  the  Pamahiba,  the  Parana, 
and  the  Paraguay,  affluents  of  the  La  Plata,  are  all  immense 
streams.  Several  of  the  tributaries  of  the  Amazon,  as  the  To- 
cantms,  the  Araguay,  the  Madeira,  the  Chingua,  the  Tapajos, 
the  Pur  us,  the  Negro,  are  mighty  rivers,  that  would  in  most 
parts  of  the  world  excite  admiration. 

Climate. — Although  Brazil  lies  in  the  torrid  zone,  yet  its 


SOUTH  AMEEICA.  223 

climate  in  general  is  very  delightful;  and  the  heat  is  alone 
excessive  in  the  northern  plains.  The  wet  season  com- 
mences in  the  northern  parts  about  October,  and  continues 
until  March;  but  the  southern  regions  have  comparatively 
little  rain.  That  portion  of  the  empire  lying  on  the  Amazon 
is  subject  to  fevers,  owing  to  the  overflowing  of  the  country, 
and  the  decay  of  vegetation.  Along  the  coast,  the  tempera- 
ture is  greatly  modified  by  the  trade  winds. 

Products. — Agriculture  receives  but  little  attention,  not  more 
than  one  fiftieth  of  the  country  being  supposed  to  be  under 
cultivation.  The  chief  products  are  maize,  sugar,  coffee,  rice, 
cacao,  vanilla,  logwood,  mahogany,  and  hides.  The  pas- 
tures are  of  vast  extent,  and  are  covered  with  prodigious 
herds  of  wild  cattle,  which  furnish  one  of  the  great  sources  of 
the  wealth  of  Brazil.  Manioc  is  the  great  farinaceous  pro- 
duct of  the  empire,  one  acre  of  it  being  said  to  yield  as  much 
nutriment  as  six  of  wheat.  The  China  tea  has  been  success- 
fully cultivated  here  since  18 1C. 

Minerals. — Brazil  is  chiefly  noted  for  her  diamond  and 
topaz  mines,  considered  the  richest  in  the  world.  Gold,  sil- 
ver, platinum,  and  iron,  are  likewise  obtained  here.  The 
precious  metals  are  not  found  in  the  same  abundance  as 
formerly. 

Jlnimals. — Horned  cattle  and  horses  comprise  the  princi 
pal  domestic  animals,  the  most  of  these  living  in  a  wild  state; 
goats,  and  hogs  are  also  abundant,  and  sheep  are  numerous 
in  the  south.  The  woods  are  filled  with  rapacious  animals, 
and  the  forests  resound  with  birds  of  the  sweetest  song.  The 
lakes  and  lagoons  are  dotted  with  water-fowl  during  certain 
seasons,  especially  geese  and  ducks.  The  most  venomous 
and  dreaded  reptiles,  as  the  boa  constrictor  and  corral  snake, 
are  met  with  in  Brazil,  and  the  insects  are  so  numerous  and 
destructive,  that  Humboldt  says  a  manuscript  cannot  be  ob- 
tained in  this  country  one  hundred  years  old. 

Manufactures. — Manufactures  can  scarcely  be  said  to  ex- 
ist, but  commerce  is  extensively  carried  on  with  different 
nations. 

Education. — Liberal  provisions  have  been  made  by  law 
for  the  education  of  the  masses.  A  male  and  female  school 
is  supported  in  each  parish ;  and  in  the  towns  Latin,  French, 
philosophy,  &c.,  are  taught.  In  the  larger  towns  the  English 
language,  geography,  mathematics  and  many  superior 


224  'GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND-BOOK. 

branches  are  incorporated  in  the  course  of  study,  in  addition  to 
those  already  mentioned.  Several  universities  are  already  in 
existence,  and  recently  a  movement  has  been  projected  by 
the  government,  in  order  to  found  a  university  in  imitation 
of  the  German  system.  The  public  schools  ar«  all  free. 

Government. — The  government  is  a  hereditary,  limited  and 
constitutional  monarchy,  and  the  sovereign  shares  with  the 
national  assembly  the  legislative  power.  The  crown  is  to  de- 
scend to  the  heirs  of  the  ruling  monarch,  who  is  styled  Empe- 
ror. The  assembly  is  composed  of  a  Senate  and  Chamber  of 
Deputies,  the  former  being  chosen  for  life  and  the  latter  for 
four  years.  Slavery  yet  exists  in  Brazil. 

Inhabitants. — The  inhabitants  consist  of  Whites,  Negroes, 
Indians,  and  of  the  various  intermixture  of  these  races. 
All  classes,  with  the  exception  of  the  slaves,  stand  upon  the 
same  social  and  political  equality  ;  the  offices  of  government 
being  equally  open  to  all.  Even  the  slave  looks  forward  to 
freedom  and  equality  in  society.  The  Roman  Catholic  is 
the  religion  of  the  Empire,  but  others  are  tolerated, 

Rio  JANEIRO,  called  often  Rio,  the  capital  and  metropolis  of 
the  Empire  of  Brazil,  is  beautifully  situated  on  the  west  side 
of  the  bay  of  the  same  name.     The    city   is  divided  into 
Old     Town    and    New     Town ;    the    latter   having    been 
chiefly  built  since  the  arrival  of  the  Royal  Family  in  1808, 
and  between  these  two  parts   is   the   great   square   named 
Campo  da  Acclamacao,  supposed  to  be  the  largest  in  the 
world.     The  streets  in  both  parts  of  the  city  are  so  exceed- 
ingly narrow  as  to  scarce  permit  the  passage  of  two   vehicles 
at  once,  yet  this  is  not  without  its  advantages  in  so  hot  a 
climate,  by  the  shade  it  affords   from  the  rays  of  the  sun. 
The  streets  are  in  general  rectangular.     Many  large  and  su- 
perb edifices  grace  this  city,  amongst  which  are  the  exchange, 
the  custom  house,  the  naval  arsenal,  the  imperial  palace,  the 
city  hall  and  the  public  hospital.     Rio  contains  a  large  the- 
atre and  opera  house,  a  palace  of  fine  arts,  a  museum  and  a 
public  library  of  80,000  volumes.     Two  colleges  and  a  medi- 
cal school  have  been  established,  and  are  greatly  patronized. 
Numerous  periodicals  and  newspapers  are  issued  in  this  city, 
and  inteiligence  is  rapidly  diffusing  itself    among  all  classes. 
The  best  street  is  the  Rua  d'Ouvidor,  occupied  chiefly  by 
French,  and  which  affords  everything  obtainable  in  Paris  or 
London.     This  city  possesses  one  of  the  finest  harbors  in  the 


SOUTH  AMERICA.  225 

world,  and  although  not  united  to  the  interior  by  rivers,  her 
commerce  is  large  and  constantly  increasing,  and  she  is  yet 
destined  when  railways  shall  have  connected  her  with  the 
distant  provinces  and  cities  of  the  central  regions  of  this  vast 
empire,  to  become  one  of  the  first  commercial  centres  of  the 
globe.  Her  exports  consist  chiefly  of  coffee,  hides,  sugar, 
rice,  cotton,  rosewood,  rum,  tobacco  and  horns.  Three  miles 
distant  from  the  city  is  Sao  Christovao,  the  rural  residence 
of  the  emperor.  Population  300,000. 

BAHIA  or  SAO  SALVADOR,  situated  on  the  bay  of  All  Saints, 
is  the  second  city  of  Brazil,  with  one  of  the  finest  harbors  in 
America.  The  situation  of  the  city  is  very  uneven  and  it 
has  been  said  that  its  appearance  resembles  the  upheaved 
surface  of  an  earthquake.  The  streets  are  well  paved,  rather 
for  the  purpose  of  preventing  injury  from  rain  than  to  facili- 
tate locomotion,  as  they  are  so  steep  and  irregular  that  the 
passage  of  carriages  is  impossible  in  some  places.  There 
are  but  one  or  two  principal  streets,  and  the  whole  length  of 
the  city  is  about  six  miles.  This  city  exceeds  every  other  in 
the  empire  in  the  number  and  sumptousness  of  its  churches, 
and  it  contains  also  many  monasteries  and  convents.  Some 
of  the  public  buildings  are  the  archiepiscopal  palace,  the 
cathedral,  the  mint,  the  military  hospital,  theatre  and  orphan 
seminary.  A  very  splendid  monument  is  erected  here  to 
commemorate  the  landing  of  Don  John  VI.  of  Portugal, 
who  was  the  first  royal  governor  of  Brazil.  The  commerce 
of  Bahia  consists  chiefly  of  sugar,  cotton,  tobacco,  rum  and 
other  native  products,  but  is  much  less  than  formerly.  Pop- 
ulation 120,000. 

PERNAMBUCO,  situated  on  the  Atlantic,  consists  of  three 
parts  :  Recife,  Boavista  and  St.  Antonio.  The  streets,  like  in 
Rio,  are  generally  narrow  and  the  houses  built  of  brick,  from 
three  to  five  stories  high.  The  commerce  of  this  place  is 
important  and  has  been  increasing  for  some  years.  Popula- 
tion 80,000. 

PARA,  near  the  mouth  of  the  river  of  the  same  name,  has 
au  important  trade  in  cotton,  vanilla,  dye  wood,  &c.  The 
streets  are  well  laid  out  and  paved,  and  the  houses  are  not  in 
•jriicral  high,  but  they  are  substantially  arid  many  of  them 
elegantly  built.  Its  harbor  is  culled  Belein.  Population 
28,000. 

MARANHAM,  situated  on  the  island  of  the  same  name,  in  a 

k* 


226  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND   BOOK. 

bay  of  the  Atlantic,  290  miles  east  of  Para,  is  a  regularly  built 
and  handsome  city,  with  30,000  inhabitants.  The  most  splen- 
did structures  are  the  Cathedral  and  the  Episcopal  palace,  two 
magniiicent  edifices  built  by  the  Jesuits.  The  city  has  a  very 
excellent  college,  in  which  a  classical  education  is  obtained. 
The  exports  are  rice,  cotton,  rum,  and  medicines. 

SAO  PAUL,  220  miles  southwest  of  Rio  Janeiro,  is  one  of  the  oldest  cities  in 
Brazil,  having  been  founded  in  1554.  This  c^ty  contains  a  cathedral,  many 
churches,  an  infirmary,  and  a  military  hospital.  It  has  also  a  public  library, 
and  a  vast  botanical  garden.  Population  2^,000. 

VILLA  BELLA  or  MATTO  GROSO,  is  a  haridsome  and  reguarly  built  city, 
presenting  a  cheerful  appearance.  Its  only  trade  consists  in  horses  and 
cattle.  Population  15,000. 

OURO  PRETO,  formerly  VILLA  RICA,  200  miles  northwest  of  the  capital, 
was  once  the  centre  of  the  gol-i  mining  district,  but  the  mines  are  nearly 
exhausted, 

DIAMANTINO,  called  heretofore  TEJUCO,  is  the  chief  town  and  centre  of  the 
dimond  district.  It  occupies  the  shape  of  au  amphitheatre. 

The  only  remaining  cities  of  the  Brazilian  Empire  are:  NATAL,  PARAUIBA, 

NlTIIEROY,  CURITIBA,  CURABA  and  GoYAZ. 

GUIANA. 

Area  94,000  square  miles.     Population  220,000. 

Guiana  lies  upon  the  Atlantic  ocean,  north  of  Brazil  and 
east  of  Venezuela,  and  its  coast  extends  from  the  mouth  of 
the  Orinoco  to  that  of  the  Oyapok  river.  The  western  part 
Belongs  to  the  British,  the  middle  to  the  Dutch,  and  the 
pastern  to  the  French.  The  interior  is  elevated  and  moun- 
tainous and  covered  with  vast  forests.  Along  the  coast 
where  most  of  the  settlements  have  been  made,  the  soil  is 
Jqw  and  marshy,  but  fertile,  and  traversed  by  numerous  rivers. 
The  most  important  rivers  are  the  Essequibo,  Demerara, 
Berbice,  Surinam  and  the  Oyapok,  all  flowing  north  into  the 
Atlantic.  The  climate  is  hot  and  unhealthy.  Guiana  has 
two  wet  and  two  dry  seasons,  each  contining  for  three 
months ;  the  wet  season  includes  the  months  of  December, 
January  and  February,  and  of  June,  July  and  August  j"  the 
dry  season,  the  remaining  months  of  the  year.  This  coun- 
try is  covered  with  the  most  luxuriant  vegetation  and  abounds 
in  fruits  of  every  description,  and  in  an  infinite  variety  of 
rare  and  useful  plants.  The  principal  products  are  sugar, 
coffeej  cayenne  pepper,  cloves,  nutmegs  and  cinnamon.  The 
animals  arc  those  peculiar  to  tropical  America,  as  the  tapir, 
jaguar,  armadillo,  ant  eater,  sloth,  deer,  and  a  great  variety  of 


SOUTH  AMERICA.  22t 

monkeys.  The  forests  abound  with  vampire  bats.  Serpents 
are  numerous  and  insects  swarm  and  are  exceedingly  an- 
noying. The  rivers  contain  plenty  of  fish.  The  geological 
formation  of  the  country  is  granite.  Many  tribes  of  savage 
Indians  yet  live  in  Guiana.  In  the  large  forests  and  moun- 
tains of  the  interior,  dwell  the  Maroon  Negroes  or  fugitive 
slaves,  who  compose  a  kind  of  independent  State  and  who 
were  formerly  exceedingly  troublesome  to  the  whites  on  ac- 
count of  their  frequent  thefts  and  robberies.  War  was  even 
waged  for  a  long  time  against  these  desperadoes  until  a  treaty 
was  made  with  them,  recognizing  their  independence,  since 
which  time  they  have  lived  in  a  state  of  amity  with  the 
whites. 

BRITISH  GUIANA. 

Area  50,000  square  miles.     Population  126,000. 

This  division  comprises  the  western  part  of  Guiana,  and 
extends  from  the  mouth  of  the  Orinoco  to  the  Corentyn  river. 
The  western  part  is  hilly  and  it  is  occupied  chiefly  by  Indi- 
ans. Slavery  was  abolished  here  in  1834,  but  the  apprentice 
system  continued  in  operation  until  1838.  The  government 
of  this  part  is  in  the  hands  of  the  British. 

GEORGETOWN,  situated  at  the  mouth  of  the  Demerara  river, 
is  the  seat  of  government,  with  26,000  inhabitants.  It  is  a 
handsomely  built  city,  with  broad,  clean  streets  intersecting 
each  other  at  right  angles,  and  its  general  aspect  is  attractive, 
but  owing  to  its  low,  marshy  location,  is  exceedingly  un- 
healthy. The  houses  are  generally  built  of  wood,  with  open 
verandahs  in  front,  and  are  beautifully  shaded  and  surround- 
ed with  gardens.  Water  street,  facing  the  river,  is  the  main 
thoroughfare,  and  is  exclusively  occupied  by  Europeans. 
The  principal  edifice  is  the  Town  Hall,  a  large  and  hand- 
some edifice,  designed  for  the  meeting  of  the  courts,  and  for 
the  chief  public  offices.  The  city  is  defended  by  Fort 
Frederick  William.  The  chief  exports  are  coffee,  sugar  and 
rum. 

NEW  AMSTERDAM,  built  near  the  mouth  of  the  river  Berbice,  is  a  seaport, 
and  is  defended  by  three  strong  batteries  guarding  the  entrance  to  the  river? 

DUTCH  GUIANA. 

Area  30,000  square  miles.     Population  64,000. 
Dutch  Guiana  is  bounded  east  by  the  Marowyne  river,  and 
west  by  the  Corentyn,  and  five-sixths  of  the  inhabitants  are 


228  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND   BOOK. 

Negroes.     Slavery  was  abolished  here  in  1851,  but  the  Ne- 
groes are  required  to  serve  as  apprentices  until  1863. 

PARAMARIBO,  situated  five  miles  from  the  mouth  of  the  Suri- 
jiam  river,  is  the  capital,  and  centre  of  the  Dutch  West  India 
tiade.  It  is  intersected  by  three  canals,  and  the  streets  gene- 
rally cross  each  other  rectangularly.  Rows  of  tamarind  and 
orange  trees  ornament  the  streets  in  all  parts  of  the  city. 
There  are  15,000  inhabitants,  of  whom  9,000  are  blacks. 

BATAVIA,  ORANGE,  AND  FREDENSBURG,  situated  on  the  coast,  and  WIL- 
JIELMSBURG,  MAGDENBURG,  and  JEWS'^TOWN,  in  the  interior,  are  small 
.towns. 

FRENCH  GUIANA. 

Area  14,000  square  miles.     Population  30,000. 

French  Guiana,  the  most  eastern  colony,  extends  from  the 
river  Marowyne  to  the  Oyapok.  The  government  is  vested  in 
a  royal  governor,  and  an  assembly,  chosen  by  the  people. 
Since  1848  this  has  become  a  penal  settlement  for  the  French 
government. 

CAYENNE,  the  capital,  situated  on  an  island  of  the  same 
name,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Cayenne  and  Oyac  rivers,  has  a 
fine  harbor,  which  is  well  defended  by  a  castle.  It  is  a  noted 
penal  settlement  of  the  French,  and  since  the  late  coup  d'etat 
of  Napoleon,  many  political  offenders  have  been  banished 
to  this  place.  Its  climate  is  hot,  and  deadly  to  JEuropeans. 
The  famous  Cayenne  pepper,  cloves,  sugar,  molasses,  coffee, 
cotton,  and  ebony,  are  the  chief  exports.  Population  6,000. 

PATAGONIA. 

Area  350,000  square  miles.     Population  120,000. 

Patagonia,  the  large  peninsula  at  the  southern  extremity  of 
South  America,  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  the  Argentine 
Confederation  and  Chili.  Along  the  western  side  run  the 
Andes  moutains,  which  gradually  decline  in  altitude  as  they 
approach  the  strait  of  Magellan,  and  contain  many  volcanoes. 
The  climate  is  cold  even  in  summer,  especially  in  the  north- 
ern part,  and  in  the  winter  the  weather  is  severe  and  stormy. 
^The  mountains  alone  are  covered  with  forests,  whilst  upon 
the  plains  not  a  tree  is  visible.  Wild  horses  and  cattle  roam 
in  considerable  numbers  over  this  extensive  and  barren 
country.  The  coasts  abound  in  fish,  seal,  arid  sea  lions. 
The  inhabitants  are  an  aborignal  race,  of  large  muscular 


SOUTH  AMERICA.  229 

proportions,  and  they  are  excellent  horsemen,  warlike  and 
adroit  in  the  hunting  of  wild  animals.  Magellan  named 
them  Patagonians,  from  the  size  of  their  feet.  No  European 
settlements  have  been  made  here. 

THE  ISLANDS. 

1.  THE  GALAPAGOS  ISLANDS,'  in  the  Pacific,  under  the  equa- 
tor.   These  lie  600  miles  west  of  Equador,  to  which  republic 
they  belong,  and  they  contain  great  numbers  of  land  tortoises, 
whence  the  name  Galapagos  (tortoises)  has  been  applied  to 
them.     In  1833  Equador  converted  one  of  these  islands  into 
a  penal  settlement ;  the  rest  are  uninhabited. 

2.  THE  TWO  JUAN   FERNANDEZ  ISLANDS,  400  miles  west  of 
Chili,  of  which  republic  they  form  a  dependency.     Masatier- 
ra  is  remarkable  for  being  the  place  where  Alexander  Selkirk 
was  shipwrecked  in  1704,  and  where  he  spent  four  years  of 
his  life,  and  the  story  of  whose  sojourn  upon  this  island  is 
supposed  to  have  formed  the  basis  of  Daniel  Defoe's  celebra- 
ted romance  called  Robinson  Crusoe,  which  has  been  trans- 
lated into  many  different  languages. 

3.  THE  FUEGAN  ISLANDS,  separated  from  the  main  land  by 
the   strait   of  Magellan.      When   the   celebrated    navigator, 
Ferdinand  Magellan,  first  sailed  through  this  strait  in  1520, 
he  saw  these  islands  in  a  blaze  of  fire,  which  had  been  ignit- 
ed by  the  natives,  and  hence  he  named  them  the  land  of  fire. 
They  are   very  sterile  and  unproductive  and  full  of  barren 
mountains,  which  are  covered  with  continual  snow  and  ice  ; 
the  low  valleys,  however,  have  forests,  and  in  the  summer 
beautiful  green  pastures.     The  inhabitants,  called  Pescheras, 
from  a  word  which  they  uniformly  use  towards  strangers,  are 
a  rude  people,  but  very  kindly  disposed.   The  largest  of  these 
islands  is  called  Terra  del  Fuego  or  the  land  of  fire;  a  second, 
Staten  Island;  and  a  third,  Hermitie,  upon  which  is  Cape  Horn. 

THE  FALKLAND  ISLES,  comprise  a  group  of  two  large 
islands  and  an  innumerable  quantity  of  cliffs,  lying  east  of 
the  straits  of  Magellan.  This  group  was  discovered  by  John 
Davis,  August  14th,  1592. 

NEW  SOUTH  SHETLAND,  a  group  of  five  large  islands 
and  innumerable  amount  of  cliffs,  southeast  of  Cape  Horn. 
This  group  was  discovered  by  a  'British  whaler  in  1819. 
They  swarm  with  penguins  and  sea-fowl. 


EUEOPE. 


Area  3,880,154  square  miles.     Population  286,634,000. 

Europe  is  indeed  the  least  amongst  the  five  main  divisions 
of  the  globe,  except  Australia,  but  on  account  of  its  high  grade 
of  civilization,  and  of  the  general  diffusion  of  the  arts  and 
sciences,  throughout  its  whole  extent  it  is  by  far  the  most 
populous  in  proportion  to  its  area,  and  in  many  respects  the 
most  iuiportatnt,  as  also  the  most  powerful.  It  lies  in  the 
north  temperate  and  frigid  zones,  between  35°  and  71° 
of  north  latitude,  and  also  between  10°  of  west  and 
61°  of  east  longitude,  from  Greenwich,  and  is  bounded  north 
by  the  Arctic  ocean,  east  by  the  Ural  mountains,  the  river 
Ural, and  the  Caspian  sea;  south  by  the  Caucasian  mountains, 
the  Black  and  Marmora  seas,  the  Grecian  Archipelago,  the 
Mediterranean,  and  the  Strait  of  Gibraltar,  which  separates 
Europe  from  Africa,  and  west  by  the  Atlantic.  Its  greatest 
length  from  east  to  west,  is  3,400  miles,  and  its  greatest 
breadth  2400. 

MOUNTAINS  AND  SURFACE. 

Of  those  running  north  and  south : 

1.  TheKiolen  Mountains,  between  Norway  and  Sweden; 
the   most  important  branches  of  which  stretch  over  Norway. 

2.  The  Ural  Mountains,  on  the  border  of  Asia.     These 
extend  from  the  Arctic  ocean  to  the  regions  of  the  Caspian 
sea. 

Of  those  running  east  and  west : 

1.  The  Pyrenees,  between  France  and  Spain ;   The  JJlps 
under  different  names,  through  Italy,  Switzerland  and  the 
south  of  Germany;   The  Apennines,  along  the  east  side  of 
the  Adriatic;  and  The  Balkan  mountains,  in  Turkey. 

2,  The  Thuringerwald,  the  Fichtelgebirge,  the  Erzgebirge, 
and  the  Riesengebirge,  all  through  Germany ;  the  Carpathian 
pountains,  between  Hungary  and  Galicia. 


EUROPE.  231 

The  mountains  stretching  from  the  east  to  the  west,  arealf 
in  the  south  of  Europe ;  the  Kiolen  in  the  Scandinavian 
peninsula,  and  the  Ural  in  the  east  of  Europe.  In  the  inte- 
rior and  eastern  portions  of  Europe,  the  surface  is  quite  level,, 
and  this  evenness  continues  from  the  North  Sea  through 
Holland,  Denmark,  the  north  of  Germany,  Prussia,  Poland 
and  Russia. 

SEAS    AND  BAYS. 

1.  The  While  Sea,  in  Russia,  on  the  Arctic  ocean. 

2.  The  North  Sea,  between  England,  Belgium,  Holland,. 
Germany  and  Denmark,  called  also  the  German  Sea,  and 
sometimes  the  Western  Sea.     One  of  its  arms  extending  into. 
Holland,  forms  the  Zuyder  Zee. 

3.  The  Skager  Rack,  between  Denmark  and  Norway. 

4.  The  Cattegat,  between  Sweden  and  Denmark. 

5.  The  Baltic,  with  the  Gulfs  of  Finland  and  Bothnia,  be- 
tween Denmark,  Sweden,  Russia,  Prussia  and  Germany.     It 
goes  also  under  the  name  of  the  East  Sea. 

6.  The  Irish  Sea,  between  England  and  Ireland. 

7.  The  British  Channel,  between  England  and  France. 

8.  The  Bay  of  Biscay,  between   Spain  and  France. 

9.  The  Mediterranean,  between  Europe  and  Africa. 
To  it  belong: 

10.  The  Adriatic,  between  Italy  and  Turkey. 

11.  The  Archipelago,   formerly  called    the   JEgean  Sea, 
south  of  Greece  and  Turkey. 

12.  The  Marmora  Sea,  south  of  Turkey. 

13.  The  Black  Sea,  the  ancient  Euxine,  south  of  Russia^ 
and  east  of  Turkey. 

14.  The  Sea  of  *flzoff,  northeast  of  the  Black  sea. 

STRAITS. 

1.  The  Sound,  called  the  Ear-sound,  from  its  resemblance 
to  the  human  ear,  as  also  the  Great  and  Little  Belt,  unite 
the  Cattegat  with  the  Baltic. 

2.  The  Strait  of  Dover,  unites  the  British  Channel   with 
the  North  sea. 

3.  The  Strait  of  Gibraltar,  unites  the  Mediterranean  and 
the  Atlantic. 

4.  The  Dardanelles  or  the  Hellespont,  connects  the  sea 
of  Marmora  with  the  Archipelago, 


232  GEOGRAPHICAL    HAND    BOOK. 

5.  The  Strait  of  Constantinople,  or  The  JBosphorus,  unites 
the  sea  of  Marmora  with  the  Black  sea. 

6.  The  Strait  of  Feodosia  or  Yenikale,  unites  the  Black 
sea  with  the  sea  of  Azoff. 

CAPES. 

The  mosf  northern  point  of  Europe,  in  Norway,  is  called 
the  North  Cape  ;  the  most  southern,  in  Greece,  Cape  Mata- 
pan ;  and  the  two  most  western  points,  Cape  Finislerre,  in 
Spain,  and  Cape  SI.  Vincent,  in  Portugal. 

RIVERS. 

The  thirteen  principal  rivers  of  Europe  are : 

1.  The  Volga,\\\z  largest,  which  rises  in  Russia,  and  flows 
after  a  course  of  2,200  miles  into  the  Caspian  sea. 

2.  The  Don,   1000  miles  long,  rising  in  the  interior   of 
Russia  and  flowing  south  into  the  sea  of  Azoff. 

3.  The  Dnieper,  1,200  miles  long,  which  takes  its  rise  near 
the  source  of  the  Volga  and  flows  south  into  the  Black  sea. 

Below  Kiev  this  river  forms  13  successive  cataracts,  by 
which  navigation  is  interrupted. 

4.  The  Danube,  1630  miles  in  length,  rising  in  West  Ger 
many,   and   flowing  east   through    Germany,  Hungary  and 
Turkey,  into  the  Black  Sea. 

5.  The  Po,  with  340  miles  of  length,  which  rises  in  the 
western  Alps  and  flows  east  into  the  Adriatic. 

6.  The  Tagus,  510  miles  long,  flowing  west  through  Spain 
and  Portugal  into  the  Atlantic. 

7.  The  Loire,  in  France,  570  miles  long,  running  west  into 
the  Bay  of  Biscay. 

8.  The  Rhine,  960  miles  long,  rising  in  Switzerland,  form- 
ing part  of  the  boundary  between  France  and  Germany,  and 
.afterwards  flowing  northwest  into  the  North  Sea. 

9.  The  Elbe,  having  its  source  in  the  Riesengebirge,  and 
flowing  northwest  690  miles  into  the  North  Sea. 

10.  The  Oder,  which  rises  in  the  mountains  of  Moravia, 
.-and  flows  northwest  into  the  Baltic.     Its  length  is  628  miles. 

11.  The  Vistula,  taking  its  source  in  the  Carpathianmoun- 
.tains,  and  flowing  north,  after  a  course  of  628  miles,  into  the 
Baltic. 

12.  The  Duna,  550  miles  long,  which  rises  near  the  source 
of  the  Volga,  and  flows  northwest  into  the  gulf  of  Riga. 


EUROPE.  233 

1 3.   The  Dwina,  rising  also  in  Russia,  and  flowing  north- 
west into  the  White  Sea.     It  has  a  length  of  760  miles. 

LAKES. 
The  largest  are: 

1.  Ladoga,  (120   miles  long   and   Go   broad)  Onega  and 
Peipus,  in  Russia. 

2.  fVener,  Wetter  and  Malar,  in  Sweden. 

3.  Garda-Como  and  Maggiore,  in  Italy. 

4.  Constance  and  Geneva,  in  Switzerland. 

The  Flatten  See  and  Newsiedler  lake,  in  Hungary. 

COUNTRIES. 

1.  Portugal.  10.  Russia. 

2.  Spain.  11.  Prussia  (extra  Germany.) 

3.  France.  12.  Austria  (extra  Germany.) 

4.  Belgium.  13.  Turkey. 

5.  Netherlands.  14.  Greece. 

6.  British  Kingdom.  IS.  Italy. 

7.  Denmark.  16.  Switzerland. 

8.  Norway.  17.  Germany. 

9.  Sweden. 

PORTUGAL. 

Area  36,000  square  miles.     Population  3,725,000. 

Portugal,  the  Lusitania  of  the  Romans,  by  whom  it  was 
conquered  about  19  A.  C.,  was  in  the  fifth  century  overrun 
by  the  northern  nations,  and  afterwards  suffered  the  same 
fate  as  Spain,  in  the  famous  Saracen  invasion  of  the  8th  cen- 
tury. After  the  expulsion  ol  the  Moors,  the  Portugese  mon- 
archy was  formally  established  by  the  Cortes,  at  Lamego,  in 
1143,  and  it  has  continued  (except  during  the  period  between 
1580  and  1640,  when  it  was  subject  to  the  Spanish  yoke,)  as 
a  separate  and  distinct  kingdom.  Portugal  was  once  one  of 
the  leading  maritime  nations  of  the  world,  and  during  the  lat* 
ter  half  of  the  14th  century,  the  great  series  of  voyages  and 
discoveries  was  commenced  by  her  celebrated  navigators, 
which  shed  great  glory  and  lustre  on  the  Portuguese  name. 
By  the  time,  however,  she  had  gained  her  independence  of 
Spain,  in  1640,  nearly  all  her  maritime  supremacy  has  disap- 
peared. 

She  comprises  the  southwestern  part  of  the  Pyrenean  pen- 
insula, and  is  bounded  north  and  east  by  Spain,  and  south 
and  \vest  by  the  Atlantic. 


234  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

Surface,  fyc. — On  the  coast  the  soil  is  flat  and  sandy;  the 
interior,  on  the  contrary,  is  mountainous,  but  interspersed 
with  some  wild,  and  beautiful  valleys.  In  the  north  are  the 
mountains  of  Gerez,  which  form  part  of  the  boundary  with 
Spain ;  south  of  these  are  the  Estrella  mountains,  which 
stretch  to  Cape  Roca.  The  southwestern  extremity  is  named 
Cape  St.  Vincent. 

Rivers. — The  principal  rivers  are  the  Minho,  forming  part 
of  the  northern  boundary  with  Spain;  the  Douro,  the  Tagus, 
and  the  Guadiana. 

Climate. — The  climate  is  agreeable  and  healthy.  The  heat 
of  summer  and  the  cold  of  winter  are  tempered  by  the  sea 
breezes.  Snow  is  extremely  rare,  except  upon  the  high 
mountains. 

Products. — The  products  are  olive  oil,  figs,  oranges,  pome- 
granates, almonds,  raisins,  melons,  pine  apples,  wine  and  salt, 
especially  sea  salt.  The  cork  tree  grows  in  Portugal.  Here 
are  many  large  fisheries.  The  trade  of  the  kingdom  is  chiefly 
in  the  hands  of  the  English. 

Manufactures. — The  manufactures  of  Portugal  are  in  a 
low  state.  They  comprise  the  manufacture  of  silk,  woolen 
and  cotton  goods,  and  also  of  gold  and  silver  ware. 

Education. — Notwithstanding  the  high  sounding  names 
of  the  Portuguese  institutions  of  learning,  education  may  be 
regarded  as  having  made  but  little  progress.  But  few  persons 
of  the  lower  class  are  able  to  read  and  write.  The  language 
is  a  dialect  of  the  Spanish,  and  both  are  remnants  of  the 
J^atin. 

Inhabitants. — The  inhabitants  are  polite,  obliging,  and 
very  loquacious,  but  not  so  revengeful  as  their  neighbors,  the 
Spaniards.  The  prevailing  religion  is  the  Roman  Catholic, 
but  other  creeds  are  tolerated.  The  government  is  a  heredi- 
tary constitutional  monarchy,  the  power  of  the  sovereign  be- 
ing limited  by  the  Cortes. 

DIVISIONS. 

It  is  divided  into  Portugal  proper,  which  comprises  the 
larger  portion,  and  into  Algarve.  The  Azore  islands  belong 
to  Portugal. 


EUROPE.  235 


PORTUGAL  PROPER, 

Consists  of  five  Provinces:  Estremadura,  Beira,  Entre  Douro 
e  Minho,  Traz  os  Montes  and  Alemtego. 

1.  ESTREMADURA. 

LISBON,  the  capital,  situated  on  the  north  bank  of  the  Ta- 
gus,  10  miles  from  its  mouth,  has  a  large  and  capacious  har- 
bor and  an  extensive  commerce,  which,  however,  has  some- 
what declined  since  the  loss  of  Brazil.  This  city  exhibits  a 
magnificent  appearance,  surpassed  only  by  that  of  Constanti- 
nople and  Naples.  The  aqueduct  for  conveying  water  to 
Lisbon  is  one  of  the  most  remarkable  structures  of  ancient  or 
modern  times.  The  most  notable  event  in  the  history  of  this 
city,  is  the  earthquake  of  November  1st,  1755,  in  which 
60,000  persons  perished,  and  from  which  calamity  the  city 
has  not  yet  fully  recovered.  In  the  village  of  JSelem,  one  of 
the  suburbs  of  Lisbon,  is  a  magnificent  Abbey,  with  a  church 
containing  the  royal  family  vault.  This  Abbey,  together  with 
the^church,  king  Emanuel  caused  to  be  built  in  memory  of 
the  discovery  of  the  course  around  Cape  Horn  to  the  East 
Indies,  by  the  celebrated  navigator,  Vasca  da  Gama.  Popula- 
tion 275,000. 

SETUBAL,  or  ST.  UBES,  18  miles  from  Lisbon,  is  noted  for 
jts  extensive  salt  works.  Some  Portuguese  authors  assert 
that  this  city  was  founded  by  Tubal,  the  fifth  in  descent  from 
Noah.  Population  15,000. 

CINTRA,  14  miles  northwest  of  Lisbon,  is  remarkable  for  the  cloister  hewn 
in  solid  rock,  the  interior  walls  of  which  are  covered  with  cork  to 
keep  off  humidity,  and  on  this  account  it  is  called  the  CORK  CLOISTER. 

MAFRA,  25  miles  from  Lisbon,  is  noted  for  its  royal  palace,  which  resemr 
bles  the  famous  Escurial  in  Spain.  This  palace  was  erected  by  John  V.,  in 
1717,  and  is  quadrangular  in  form,  760  feet  by  670. 

2.  BEIRA. 

COIMBRA,  an  ancient  city,  with  the  only  University  in  Porr 
tugal,  and  15,000  inhabitants.  Here  the  unfortunate  Inez  de 
Castro  was  murdered,  1350. 

3.  ENTRE  DOURO,  E  MINHO. 

PORTO,  or  OPORTO,  situated  at  the  mouth  of  the  river  Don* 
ro,  is,  after  Lisbon,  the  largest  and  most  important  city  in  the 


236  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND   BOOK. 

kingdom,  and  carries  on  a  great  trade,  especially  in  wine 
(port  wine.)  It  is  regarded  as  the  most  cleanly  and  agreeable 
city  in  Portugal,  and  it  has  numerous  manufactures  and  many 
fine  buildings.  Population  80,000. 

BRAGA,  is  a  manufacturing  town,  and  the  See  of  an  Arch- 
bishop. The  Suevian  kings,  after  their  conquest  of  the  coun- 
try, made  this  their  seat  of  government.  Population  15,000. 

4.  TRAZ  OS  MONIES. 

BRAGANZA,  the  ancestral  house  of  the  royal  family.  It  has 
extensive  silk  manufactures.  This  place  was  taken  by  Mar- 
shal Junot,  and  held  until  August  1808. 

5.  ALEMTEJO. 

ELVAS,  the  strongest  border  fortress  of  Portugal,  with  a  re- 
markable Roman  aqueduct,  and  a  manufactory  of  arms. 
It  is  noted  lor  its  wine  and  olive  culture.  Population  10,000. 

EVORA,  contains  an  ancient  Temple  of  Diana,  and  cultivates 
much  wine.  It  has  manufactures  of  hardware  and  leather. 
Population  15,000. 

II.   THE  KINGDOM  OF  ALGARVE. 

This  part  lies  in  the  south,  and  is  the  warmest  and  most 
fertile  part  of  the  kingdom,  producing  the  tropical  fruits  and 
wine  in  abundance.  Fishing  and  the  manufacture  of  sea-salt 
are  considerable  objects  of  industry.  No  large  cities  are 
found  here. 

On  the  sea  coast  lie: 

LAGOS,  -with  9,000  inhabitants;  FABO,  8,000;  and  TAVIRA,  9,000. 

III.    THE  AZORE  ISLANDS. 

These  islands,  nine  in  number,  790  miles  west  of  Portugal, 
in  the  Atlantic,  are  mountainous,  but  interspersed  with  fertile 
valleys,  and  have  a  mild  climate,  except  during  winter,  when 
violent  storms  prevail.  Many  fish  and  turtles  are  caught 
here.  Population  250,000. 

SAN  MIGUEL,  the  largest.  In  1811.  a  new  island  emerged 
in  the  vicinity,  through  volcanic  influence,  and  after  a  few 
years,  again  disappeared  in  an  earthquake. 

PONTA  DELGADO,  is  considered  the  capital  of  J<hp  A^ore 
islands,  with  20,000  inhabitants, 


EtlKO]?E.  23*r 

TERCEIRA,  surrounded  on  all  sides  with  steep  rocks. 

Pico,  -with  many  vineyards,  and  a  volcano. 

The  Portuguese  possessions  in  other  quarters  of  the  globe  : 

1.  In  Asia,  Goa  and  Diu,  in  Hindostan.     Macao,  in  China. 

2.  In  Africa,  the  islands   Porto  Santo  and    Madeira ;  the   Cape   Verd 
Islands,  all  in  the  Atlantic  ocean;  besides  some  considerable  possessions  on 
the  coast. 


THE  KINGDOM  OF  SPAIN. 


Area  180,000  square  miles.     Population  15,000,000. 

The  Romans  obtained  possession  of  the  Pyrenean  penisula 
about  200  years  before  the  Christian  era,  but  its  complete 
subjugation  was  not  effected  by  them  until  about  the  year  19 
A.  C.  It  subsequently  passed  under  the  dominion  of  the 
Visigoths  and  other  northern  nations,  in  the  beginning  of  the 
5th  century;  and  in  the  year  711  these  were  in  turn  defeated  by 
the  Saracens,  in  the  nine  days  battle  of  Xeres  de  la  Frontera, 
and  they  continued  to  govern  the  country  until  1492,  when 
the  Christians  drove  them  again  from  the  peninsula.  After 
the  expulsion  of  the  Moors,  all  the  different  parts  of  Spain 
were  united  into  one  kingdom,  and  have  so  remained  until 
the  present  time.  The  period  of  the  conquest  of  Portugal  by 
Spain,  during  the  reign  of  Philip  II.,  seems  to  mark  the  cul- 
minating point  of  Spanish  greatness.  Since  this  time  her 
power  has  vanished,  and  she  is  now,  instead  of  being  the 
most  powerful  kingdom  in  Europe,  regarded  as  one  of  the 
most  feeble.  She  is  bonnded,  north  by  the  Bay  of  Biscay 
and  France,  east  by  the  Mediterranean,  south  by  the  same, 
the  strait  of  Gibraltar,  and  the  Atlantic  and  west  by  Portu- 
gal and  the  Atlantic. 

Surface,  &rc. — The  Pyrenees  separate  Spain  from  France 
and  run  east  and  west  from  the  Atlantic  to  the  Mediterranean. 
The  Maladetta,  their  highest  peak,  rises  to  an  elevation  of 
11,441  feet.  These  are  steeper  and  higher  on  the  French 
side  than  on  the  Spanish,  where  they  decline  gradually  by 
successive  steps  to  the  river  Ebro.  The  western  part  of  the 
Pyrenees,  from  the  corner  of  France,  are  known  by  the  name 
of  the  Cantabrian  mountains.  The  Sierra  Morena,  (the  Black 


238  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

Mountains^)  in  the  time  of  the  Saracen  dominion,  were  the 
boundary  between  Moorish  and  Christian  Spain.  This  is  the 
middle  range.  The  Sierra  Nevada,  (the  Snow  Mountains,) 
the  most  southern  range,  stretch  to  Cape  Gibraltar  and  Tra- 
falgar, near  which  the  English,  under  Admiral  Nelson,  in 
1805,  gained  a  great  victory  over  the  combined  French  and 
Spanish  fleets.  Nelson  fell  in  the  action.  The  soil  of  Spain 
is,  in  general,  very  fertile. 

Rivers. — Here  again  we  meet  with  the  Minho,  Douro,  Ta- 
gus  and  Guadiana,  which  have  already  been  mentioned  un- 
der Portugal.  Besides  these,-  there  are  in  Spain  the  Guadal- 
quiver  and  the  Ebro  j  the  former  emptying  into  (he  Atlantic j 
the  latter  into  the  Mediterranean.  As  the  Ebro  cannot  be 
navigated  everywhere  on  account  of  shoals  and  rapids,  the 
emperor  Charles  V.,  cause  an  imperial  canal,  56  miles  long, 
to  be  dug  along  its  right  bank,  parallel  to  its  stream. 

Climate. — The  air  is  everywhere  mild,  except  in  the  moun- 
tainous districts;  but,  during  the  long  summers,  it  is  exces- 
sively hot,  especially  in  the  south.  Two  unpleasant  winds 
sometimes  blow  in  Spain.  During  the  summer  season  a  hot, 
suffocating  wind,  called  the  Solano,  is  occasionally  blowing 
from  Africa;  whereas  from  the  northwest  a  cold,  piercing  one, 
called  the  Gallego. 

Products:  Delicious  wines,  tropical  fruits  in  abundance, 
excellent  olive  oil,  which  is  here  used  instead  of  butter — this 
being  scarce  in  Spain ;  much  silk,  fine  wool  from  the  Meri- 
noes  or  wandering  sheep.  In  the  summer  these  are  driven 
into  the  northern  mountains ;  but  in  the  winter  they  return 
back  into  the  warmer  southern  provinces.  In  the  south  splen* 
did  horses  and  excellent  cattle  are  raised.  Asses  and  mules, 
however,  are  usually  the  beasts  of  burden.  Swine  grow  here 
without  bristles ;  the  bear  is  yet  found  in  the  Pyrenees,  and 
the  baboon,  a  kind  of  ape,  in  the  south,  around  Gibraltar. 
Here  are  many  hares,  Spanish  flies,  much  saltpeter  and  li- 
quorice-wood, an  herb  from  the  roots  of  which  the  liquorice 
juice  is  manufactured. 

Manufactures. — During  the  middle  ages  Spain  ranked  high 
as  a  manufacturing  nation,  and  numerous  establishments  of 
this  kind  were  built  along  the  shores  of  the  Mediterranean  ; 
but  in  1609  the  banishment  of  the  few  remaining  Moors  from 
the  country,  caused  the  total  prostration  of  her  system  of 


EUROPE.  239 

manufacturing.  Her  manufactures  at  this  time  are  very  lim- 
ited, and  are  confined  chiefly  to  the  large  cities. 

Education. — The  course  of  education  is  but  little  attended 
to;  and  the  Universities,  although  sufficiently  numerous,  are 
but  poorly  patronized.  The  youth  of  the  upper  classes  ate 
usually  educated  in  France  and  other  countries. 

Inhabitants. — The  inhabitants  of  Spain  are  confessors  of 
the  Roman  Catholic  faith,  and  much  more  toleration  is 
exercised  towards  other  religious  denominations  than  former- 
ly. The  Spaniards  are  brave  and  magnanimous,  but  proudj 
indolent  and  revengeful.  A  national  amusement  is  the  bull 
fights.  The  government  is  a  limited  monarchy,  the  supreme 
power  being  vested  in  a  king  or  queen,  and  a  legislative  body 
called  the  Cortes. 

DIVISIONS. 
Spain  consists  of: 

I.  THE  KINGDOM  OF  CASTILE. 
Herein  are  comprised: 

1.  Hew  Castile.  6.  Estremadura. 

2.  Old  Castile.  7.  Andalusia. 

3.  Asturias.  8.  Granada. 

4.  Galicia.  9.  Murcia. 
5-  Leon. 

II.  THE  KINGDOM  OF  ARAGON, 

Which  includes  the  following  provinces  : 

1.  Valencia.  3<  Aragon. 

2.  Catalonia.  4.  Majorca, 

These  two  kingdoms  were  united  in  1479* 

III.  THE  BASQUE  PROVINCES. 

IV.  THE  KINGDOM  OF  NAVARRE. 

I.  THE  KINGDOM  OF  CASTILE 

Comprises  the  interior  and  western  parts  of  Spain. 

1.  NEW  CASTILE. 

MADRID,  situated  on  the  Manzanares,  a  branch  of  the 
Tagus,  is  the  capital  of  Spain,  and  the  residence  of  the  sove- 
reign. The  city  is  surrounded  by  walls  20  feet  high.  The 
most  conspicuous  public  building  is  the  Royal  Palace,  noted 
as  one  of  the  most  splendid  in  Europe,  and  the  Prado  and 
the  Paseo  de  las  Delicias  are  regarded  as  the  most  frequented 
and  delightful  of  the  public  promenades.  Of  the  many 
splendid  palaces  the  Tlaza  Mayor  famed  as  the  place  where 


240  (JEOGRAPHtdAL  HAND-BOOK. 

the  Autos  da  Fe  were  held,  is  likewise  conspicuous.  The 
royal  museum  of  painting  and  sculpture  in  the  Prado,  is  one 
of  the  finest  picture  galleries  in  the  world.  The  chief  monu- 
ments are  the  equestrian  statue  of  Philip  IV.,  a  statue  of 
Cervantes,  and  one  dedicated  to  the  memory  of  those  killed 
May  2d,  1808.  Madrid  was  held  by  the  French  from  1808 
to  1813,  when  it  was  rescued  from  them  by  the  Duke  of 
Wellington.  About  seven  miles  west  of  the  city  the  royal  hunt- 
ing castle  and  villa,  el  Pardo,  is  built.  Population  285,000. 

ARANJUEZ,  a  small  town  26  miles  south  of  the  capital,  with  a  royal  castle, 
where  the  court  usually  resides  between  Easter  and  Whitsuntide. 

TOLEDO,  on  the  Tagus,  27  miles  from  Madrid,  with  silk 
and  sword  blade  manufactures,  is  the  see  of  the  archbishop. 
During  the  14th  century  this  was  the  metropolis  of  Christian 
Spain,  and  numbered  200,000  inhabitants,  now  only  16,000. 

ALMADEN,  noted  for  its  rich  quicksilver  mines. 

OCANA,  with  12,000  inhabitants,  is  noted  for  the  victory ^of  the  French 
over  the  Spaniards  in  1809. 

TALAVERA  DE  LA  REYNA,  64  miles  southwest  of  Madrid,  is  renowned  for 
Wellington's  victory  over  the  French,  on  the  27th  and  28th  of  March,  1809. 

GUADALAXARA,  with,  cloth  manufactures,  and  7,000  inhabitants. 

2.  OLD    CASTILE. 

ESCURIAL  DE  ABAJO,  23  miles  northwest  of  Madrid,  contains  the  celebrat- 
ed Escurial  palace,  built  by  Philip  II.  in  remembrance  of  the  victory  over  the 
French,  at  St.  Quentin,  in  1557.  It  is  740  feet  long,  580  wide,  and  60  high, 
with  5,000  windows.  Its  cost  was  5,000,000  ducats. 

SAN  ILDEFONSO,  with  the  royal  palace  La  Granga,  and  celebrated  looking 
glass  manufactures. 

SEGOVIA,  noted  for  its  ancient  castle,  once  the  seat  of  the 
Gothic  and  Moorish  kings,  and  for  its  ancient  Roman  Aque- 
duct Population  15,000. 

BURGOS,  contains  a  magnificent  Cathedral,  with  the  Se- 
pulchers  of  many  Spanish  Kings.  Here  the  celebrated  Span- 
ish warrior,  Ruy  Dias  de  Vivar,  sumamed  the  Cid,  was  born 
1026. 

SANTANDER,  a  fortified  maritime  city,  with  a  considerable 
commerce,  and  25,000  inhabitants. 

ESPINOSA,  DF  LOS  MONTEROS,  remarkable  for  the  victory  of  the  French 
over  the  British  and  Spaniards,  12th  November,  1808. 

3.  ASTURIAS. 

OviEDO,has  a  celebrated  university,  and  10,000  inhabitants. 


EUROPE.  241 

Four  miles  from  Oviedo,  are  the  noted  baths  of  Caldas,  situated  in  a 
charming  region. 

Ob. — ASTURIAS  is  full  of  rugged  mountains,  into  which  tho  conquered 
Spaniards  retreated,  after  the  Moorish  invasion,  in  711. 

4.  GALICIA. 

FERROL,  a  fortified  'town,  formerly  the  principal  station  of  the  Spanish 
navy.  Population  13,000. 

CORUXNA,  a  fortified  and  maritime  city,  with  one  of  the  best  harbors  in 
the  kingdom,  and  considerable  commerce.  Here  Sir  John  Moore,  whose 
burial  is  so  beautifully  described  by  Charles  Wolfe,  was  killed  by  a  cannon 
ball  in  1809.  Population  25,000. 

ST.  JAGO  DE  COMPOSTELLA,  celebrated  for  the  pilgrimages 
made  to  the  conjectured  sepulchre  of  the  Apostle  St.  James 
the  Less,  the  patron  Saint  of  Spain,  which  is  contained  in  a 
magnificent  arid  superb  cathedral.  In  the  chapel,  in  which 
he  is  believed  to  lie  buried,  1000  wax  tapers  burn  nightly. 
Here  is  a  university.  Population  28,000. 

5.  LEON . 

LEON,  with  the  finest  Gothic  Cathedral  in  Spain,  in  which 
37  of  her  kings  lie  buried. 

VALLADOLID,  100  miles  northwest  of  Madrid,  contains  a 
royal  castle,  in  which  Philip  II.  and  several  of  his  ancestors 
were  born,  a  celebrated  University,  and  25,000  inhabitants, 
Here  Columbus  died,  1506,  at  which  period  the  city  number- 
ed a  population  of  100,000. 

SALAMANCA,  the  Spanish  Oxford,  with  a  University  once  the  most  celebra- 
ted in  Europe.  Four  miles  southeast  of  this  city  was  fought,  Jnly  22,  1812, 
the  battle  of  Salamanca,  between  the  English,  under  Wellington,  and  the 
French,  under  Marmont,  in  which  the  latter  were  defeated. 

G.    ESTREMADURA. 

BADAJOZ,  170  miles  distant  from  Madrid,  opposite  Elvas, 
is  a  border  fortress,  with  13,000  inhabitants. 

PLASENCIA,  in  the  vicinity  of  which  is  the  famous  convent  of  St.  Just,  into 
which  Charles  V.  retired  and  spent  the  last  years  of  his  life  in  pious  con- 
templations, and  where  he  died  in  1558. 

7.  ANDALUSIA. 

SEVILLE,  on  the  Guadalquiver,  16  miles  in  circumference, 
numbered  formerly  500,000  inhabitants;  now  92,000.  It 
abounds  in  magnificent  ancient  edifices;  some  of  which  are 
a  splendid  cathedral,  a  Roman  aqueduct,  and  an  ancient  pa- 
lace ot  the  Moorish  kings. 

PALOB,  the  port  from  which  Columbus  Bailed  on  his  first  Yoyage  of  dig- 
covery. 

L 


242  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND 

XBKES  DE  I/A  FKONTERA,  14  miles  from  Cadiz,  noted  for  its  excellent  wines. 
Here,  in  711,  the  Visigoths  were  defeated  by  the  Moors  in  a  nine  days  battle. 
Population  60,000. 

CADIZ,  on  the  isle  of  Leon,  is  a  strongly  fortified  city,  and 
the  chief  seaport  of  Spain,  with  70,000  inhabitants.  Its  for- 
mer great  commerce  has  declined.  Here,  in  1809,  the  Span- 
ish Cortes  took  refuge,  and  it  was  besieged  by  the  French 
until  1811.  This  city  was  founded  by  the  Phoenicians. 

GIBRALTAR,  at  the  southern  extremity  of  the  kingdom,  is 
the  strongest  fortified  city  in  the  world.  It  has  been  in  the 
possession  of  the  British  since  1704.  In  1779  the  Spaniards 
and  French  made  an  unsuccessful  attempt  to  regain  it.  Pop- 
ulation 20,000. 

CORDOVA,  situated  on  the  Guadalquiver,  manufactures  much 
silk.  It  was  in  the  tenth  century  the  capital  of  the  Moorish 
empire  in  Spain,  and  contained  nearly  1,000,000  inhabitants, 
now  but  60,000.  It  is  the  birth-place  of  the  two  Senecas,  and 
Lucan,  the  poet.  It  contains  a  splendid  cathedral  and  an 
ancient  Moorish  palace  of  great  extent. 

8.  GRANADA. 

GRANADA,  situated  in  a  beautiful  section  of  country,  at  the 
foot  of  the  Sierra  Nevada,  was  once  a  large  and  power- 
ful city.  Here  is  built  the  celebrated  Moorish  palace,  called 
Alhambra,  the  last  residence  of  the  Saracen  Caliphs  in  Spain. 
This  city  contains  the  sepulchres  of  Ferdinand  and  Isabella. 
Population  80,000. 

MALAGA,  a  maritime  city,  famous  for  its  wines  and  fruits, 
with  52,000  inhabitants,  who  carry  on  an  active  commerce. 

ALMEBIA,  a  maritime  town,  110  miles  distant  from  the  former,  with  20,000 
inhabitants.  In  the  14th  century  it  was  the  emporium  of  the  kingdom  of 
Granada. 

9.  MURCIA. 

MURCIA,  with  a  splendid  cathedral,  important  silk  trade, 
and  36,000  inhabitants. 

CARTHAGENA,  a  fortified  maritime  city,  with  one  of  the  best 
harbors  on  the  Mediterranean,  and  37,000  inhabitants.  This 
city  was  founded  by  the  Carthagenians  about  230,  A.  C. 

LORCA,  42  miles  northwest  of  Carthagena,  with  copper  and  lead  mines, 
and  25,000  inhabitants. 

ALMANSA,  is  noted  for  the  victory  gained  by  the  Spaniards  OYtr  the  En- 
glish, Dutch,  and  Portuguese  in  1707. 


EUROPE. 

II.  THE  KINGDOM  OF  ARAGON, 

Comprises  the  eastern  part  of  Spain. 
1.  VALENCIA. 

VALENCIA,  built  upon  the  Guadalquiver,  near  its  mouth, 
has  an  important  book  trade,  silk  manufactures,  and  66,000 
inhabitants.  The  surrounding  country  is  exceedingly  beau- 
tiful and  charming.  Its  seaport  is  called  Grao.  Northward 
of  Valencia,  32  miles,  is  the  town  famous  in  ancient  times, 
by  the  name  of  Sagunt,  now  called  Murviedro. 

ALICANTE,  a  maritime  town,  has  great  wine  trade,  salt 
works,  and  25,000  inhabitants.  The  remaining  towns  of 
Valencia,  are  Orihuela,  26,000  inhabitants ;  Elche  20,000, 
and  Alcoy,  18,000. 

2;  CATALONIA. 

BARCELONA,  built  on  the  coast  of  the  Mediterranean,  is  at 
fortified,  and  the  principal  manufacturing  city  in  Spain,  and 
rivals  Cadiz  in  commerce.  The  yellow  fever  often  proves  a 
scourge  to  the  inhabitants.  Barcelona  is  supposed  to  have 
been  founded  by  the  Carthagenians,  undef  Hamilcar  Barca, 
Wherefore  the  name.  Population  150,000. 

At  the  distance  of  20  miles  from  Barcelona  is  the  celebrated  Benedictine 
monastery,  Montserrat,  upon  the  mountain  of  the  same  name,  from  which 
went  forth  in  1523,  Ignatius  Loyola,  the  founder  of  the  order  of  Jesuits. 
This  monastery  contains  an  image  of  the  holy  virgin,  which  attracts  thous- 
ands of  pilgrims. 

TARRAGONA,  a  maritime  town,  situated  46  miles  southwest  of  Barcelona, 
with  a  remarkable  cathedral,  many  Roman  antiquities,  and  12,000  inhabit- 
ants. 

3.  ARAGON. 

SARAGOSSA,  a  fortified  city  on  the  Ebro,  encompassed  by 
olive  trees,  has  a  university  and  silk  manufactures.  It  is  me- 
morable for  its  sieges  in  1808  and  1809,  reckoned  amongst 
the  most  heroic  of  modern  times.  Here  Aulus  Prudentius, 
the  first  Christian  poet,  was  born,  348.  Population  50,000. 

4.  MAJORCA, 
Consists  of  the  Balearic  and  Pithyusian  islands. 


244  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND-BOOK. 

a.  THE  BALEARIC  ISLANDS. 

1.  MAJORCA,  the  largest,  is  most  prolific  in  oil,  wine  and 
the  tropical  fruits;  and  it  contains  the  city  of  Palma  with  a 
remarkable  cathedral,  and  34,000  inhabitants. 

2.  MINORCA,  not  so  fertile.     Mali  on  is  the  capital,  with  one 
of  the  best  harbors  in  the  Mediterranean,  and  6,000  inhab- 
itants. 

b.  THE  PITHYUSIAN  ISLANDS. 

IVICA,  with  a  city   of  the  same   name.     The  inhabitants    are  principally 
engaged  in  salt  manufacture  and  fishing. 

FJROMENTERA,  numbers  only  2,000  inhabitants. 

III.  THE  BASQUE  PROVINCES. 


a  fortified  city,  with  great  wool  export,  and  15,000 
inhabitants.     Its  harbor  is  Portugalete. 

SAN  SEBASTIAN,  a  strongly  fortified  city,  orl  the  bay  of  Biscay,  has  a  trade 
in  iron,  and  10,000  inhabitants. 

VITTORIA,  noted  for  its  manufacture  of  sword  blades.  This  city  is  mem- 
orable in  the  history  of  the  Peninsular  war,  for  the  battle  of  the  21st  of 
June,  1813,  between  the  French  and  English,  in  which  the  latter  were  victo- 
rious. Population  12,000. 

IV.  THE  KINGDOM  OF  NAVARRE. 

PAMPELUNA,  the  fortified  capital  of  Navarre,  with  15,000 
inhabitants.  Northeast  of  this  city,  28  miles,  is  the  valley  of 
Roncesvalles  in  the  Pyrenees,  noted  for  the  attack  on  the 
Prankish  warriors  of  Charlemagne  in  800,  and  the  glorious 
death  of  Roland. 

SPANISH  COLONIES. 

In  Africa  —  the  fortress  of  Ceuta  and  the  Canary  Islands. 
In  Asia  —  the  Philippine  Islands. 
In  Oceanica  —  the  Ladrone  islands. 
In  America  —  Cuba  and  Porto  Rico. 


FRANCE. 

Area  205,000  square  miles.     Population  36,000,000. 

France,  anciently  called  Gaul,  was  conquered  by  the 
Romans,  under  Julius  Caesar,  and  after  the  decline  of  the 
Roman  power,  the  Franks  overran  the  country  and  establish- 
ed a  monarchy  about  the  beginning  of  the  sixth  century,  in 
the  person  of  Clovis  their  king.  The  great  founder  of  French 


EUROPE.  245 

monarchy,  was  the  celebrated  Charlemagne,  who  extended 
his  rule  not  only  over  France,  but  even  over  Germany  and 
Italy,  and  was  the  greatest  monarch  of  the  Middle  Ages. 
After  the  death  of  Charlemagne  his  vast  empire  fell  to  pieces, 
and  in  987  Hugh  Capet  ascended  the  throne  of  France,  and 
his  successors  continued  to  rule  until  1328,  when  Philip  VI. 
was  anointed  king,  and  became  the  first  of  the  House  of 
Valois.  This  last  named  line  of  kings  ceased  with  Henry 
III.,  and  the  fourth  sovereign  of  this  name  became  the  first 
of  the  House  of  Bourbon.  A  void  in  the  Bourbon  line  of 
rulers  took  place  during  the  French  revolution,  by  the  exe- 
cution of  Louis  XVI.  and  the  establishment  of  Napoleon  I. 
as  emperor,  who  was  afterwards  banished  to  the  isle  of  St 
Helena.  The  Bourbons  again  came  into  power  after  the 
banishment  of  Napoleon,  but  the  late  revolution  of  1848, 
caused  the  abdication  of  Louis  Philipe  the  last  ruler  of  this 
line,  and  Napoleon  III.  succeded  by  his  adroitness  in  obtain- 
the  imperial  sceptre  of  France,  which  he  now  sways  with 
almost  absolute  power.  France  is  bounded  north  by 
the  English  channel,  the  strait  of  Dover.  Belgium  and  Ger- 
many, east  by  Belgium,  Germany,  Switzerland  and  Italy, 
south  by  the  Mediterranean  and  Spain,  arid  west  by  the  bay 
of  Biscay  and  the  Atlantic. 

Surface,  Sfc. — The  southern  and  eastern  parts  of  France 
are  higher  and  more  mountainous  than  the  western  and 
northern.  The  Pyrenees  run  on  the  Spanish  border,  the 
highest  peak  of  which,  called  Mount  Perdu,  rises  to  an  alti- 
tude of  10,500  feet.  The  Cevennes  commence  near  the  easi 
end  of  the  Pyrenees  and  run  northeast  and  unite  with  the 
wine-producing  Cotes  d'Or,  (gold  hills.)  The  Maritime  or 
Ligurian  Alps  lie  on  the  eastern  border,  opposite  Italy; 
on  the  Swiss  border  lie  the  Jura,  which  unite  northward  with 
the  Vosges,  and  these  again  on  the  Belgian  frontier  with  the 
Ardennes.  West  of  the  Cevennes,  in  the  interior,  are  the 
mountains  of  Auvergne.  The  soil  is  upon  the  whole  fertile. 

Rivers:  The  Rhine,  on  the  borders  of  Germany,  with  its 
tributary,  the  Moselle,  which  rises  in  the  Vosges  mountains  ; 
the  Seine  rises  in  the  Cotes  d'Or  and  flows  into  the  English 
channel ;  the  Loire  rises  in  the  Cevennes,  and  the  Garonne 
in  the  central  Pyrenees,  and  both  flow  into  the  bay  of  Biscay  j 
the  Rhone  rises  in  Switzerland  and  receives  the  Saone  from 
the  north  and  empties  into  the  Mediterranean.  The  Medi-. 


246  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND-BOOK. 

terranean  is  united  with  the  bay  of  Biscay,  by  means  of  the 
river  Garonne  and  the  140  miles  long  canal  Du  Midi,  which 
connects  the  former  at  Toulouse  with  the  Mediterranean. 

Climate. — In  the  north  of  France  the  air  is  moist,  and  in 
the  winter  considerable  snow  falls,  the  air  becoming  at  that 
time  quite  sharp ;  in  the  south,  on  the  contrary,  the  atmos- 
phere is  usually  extremely  mild :  the  heat  which  otherwise 
would  be  oppressive,  being  tempered  by  the  high  mountains 
and  the  sea  breezes.  Sometimes  a  violent  wind  blows  from 
the  northwest,  called  the  Mistral,  which  suddenly  changes  the 
mild  heat  into  a  piercing  cold,  and  in  the  winter  decks  the 
earth  and  rivers  with  a  surface  of  ice,  but  which  so  purifies 
the  atmosphere  that  even  the  sick  and  infirm  feel  instantly 
better. 

Products. — France  ranks  first  amongst  the  wine  manufac- 
turing countries  of  the  world.  Here  grow  wheat,  maize, 
barley,  mulberries,  olives,  and  the  choicest  of  the  tropical 
fruits.  The  olive  oil  of  Provence  has  long  been  celebrated. 
In  the  animal  kingdom  are  found  deer,  wolves,  wild  boars, 
foxes,  otters  and  martens.  The  ibex  and  chamois  yet  live  in 
the  Alps  and  Apennines.  All  branches  of  industry  flourish 
here,  and  manufactures  are  ramified  into  manifold  departments, 

Minerals. — The  chief  minerals  of  France  are  iron  and 
coal.  Lead,  silver  and  copper  are  likewise  obtained  in  this 
country. 

Manufactures. — The  manufactures  of  the  empire  are  nu- 
merous and  extensive,  and  they  embrace  those  of  cotton, 
woolen,  silk  and  fancy  goods,  hardware,  jewelry,  perfumes, 
paper,  etc.,  and  the  value  of  her  manufactured  goods  amount 
annually  to  between  $400,000,000  and  $500,000,000.  Many  of 
the  French  shawls  rival  in  elegance  those  of  Cashmere.  The 
French  cloth  is  almost  unrivalled. 

Commerce. — France  ranks  next  to  Great  Britain  as  a  com- 
mercial nation,  and  its  trade  is  constantly  increasing.  The 
chief  imports  are  cotton,  raw  silk,  wool,  grain,  sugar, 
timber,  furs,  hides,  iron  and  indigo.  She  exports  silk,  cotton 
and  woolen  goods,  wine,  brandy,  laces,  olive  oil,  &c. 

Education. — Education  is  under  the  supervision  of  the 
state,  all  the  schools  being  subject  to  the  direction  of  the 
Supreme  Board  at  Paris,  styled  the  University.  Provision 
is  made  for  the  education  of  all  classes,  but  the  people  do 
not  avail  themselves  of  the  benefits  of  the  law  in  this  par- 


EUROPE.  24f 

ticular,  as  it  is  asserted  that  over  two-fifths  of  the  inhabitants 
are  unable  to  read  or  write.  A  large  number  of  universities 
are  established  in  France,  but  they  are  not  arranged  upon  the 
German  plan,  which  has  all  the  faculties  united. 

Inhabitants. — The  Roman  Catholic  is  the  prevailing  reli- 
gion of  France  ;  all  other  denominations,  however  are  tolera- 
ted. There  are  about  4,000,000  Protestants.  The  French 
are  a  gay,  lively  and  spirited  people,  and  extremely  polite  in 
their  intercourse ;  and  the  French  language  is  generally  used 
in  the  fashionable  and  diplomatic  circles  of  Europe.  France 
has  one  of  the  largest  and  best  disciplined  armies  in  the 
world,  and  her  marine  comprises  an  effective  and  formidable 
navy.  France  is  now  an  Empire,  under  the  rule  of  Louis 
Napoleon,  the  nephew  of  Napoleon  Bonaparte. 

DIVISIONS. 

France  is  divided  into  eighty-six  departments;  but  the 
names  of  the  old  provinces,  which  continually  occur  in  his- 
tory, are  given,  as  more  important  than  those  of  the  depart- 
ments into  which  the  empire  is  now  divided. 

1.  Isle  of  France.  13.  Nivernais.  25.  Auvergne. 

2.  Normandy.  14.  Berry.  26.  Lyonnais. 

3.  Picardy.  15.  Orleanais.  27.  Guyenne. 

4.  Artois.  16.  Touraine.  28.  Gascony. 

5.  Boulonnais.  17.  Aujou.  29.  Navarre  and  Beam. 

6.  French  Flanders.  18.  Maine  and  Perche.  30.  Foix. 

7.  Champagne.  19.  Brittany.  31.  Rousillon. 

8.  Lorraine.  20.  Poitou.  32.  Languedoc. 

9.  Alsace.  21.  AunisandSaintonge.  33.  Dauphiny. 

10.  Bourgogne.  22.  Angoumais.  34.  Provence. 

11.  Franche  Comte.          23.  La  Marche.  35.  Avignon  &Venaissin. 

12.  Bourbonnais.  24.  Limousin.  36.  Corsica. 

1.  ISLE  OF  FRANCE. 

PARIS — Situated  on  the  banks  of  the  river  Seine,  the  capi- 
tal and  imperial  residence,  is  one  of  the  largest  and  most 
celebrated  cities  in  the  world.  The  greater  portion  of  the 
city  is  encompassed  by  the  promenades  called  the  Boulevards: 
outside  of  these  are  several  suburbs.  The  places  worthy  of 
special  interest  are:  1.  The  Tuilleries,a.n  old  but  very  splen- 
did royal  palace,  which  is  united  by  side  wings  with  2.  The 
Louvre,  another  large  palace.  3.  The  Palais  Royal,  which  is, 
perhaps,  well  named  a  miniature  Paris,  on  account  of  the 
many  splendid  shops,  coffee  houses,  and  other  objects  of  inter- 


248  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND-BOOK. 

est,  which  are  met  with  partly  amongst  the  colonnades  of  the 
interior  court  of  this  edifice,  and  around  about  the  same,  as 
also  on  account  of  the  streaming  throng  of  people  strolling  to 
and  fro.  4.  The  Catacombs,  are  deep,  broad  subterranean 
caverns,  which  run  partly  parallel  with  the  streets,  but  are 
found  principally  beneath  the  Boulevards.  Here  the  bones 
and  skeletons  of  vast  multitudes  of  the  dead  are  collected  and 
arranged  systematically  in  manifold  shapes.  Of  churches,  the 
most  noted  is  the  splendid  edifice  of  Notre  Dame.  The  city 
contains  also  a  university,  and  a  royal  library  of  700,000 
volumes,  with  70,000  manuscripts.  Its  manufactures  and 
commerce  are  very  extensive.  Population  1,100,000. 

ST.  CLOUD,  five  miles  from  Paris,  with  a  royal  palace,  the  favorite  residence 
of  Napoleon  the  Great.  Near  this  is  Sevres,  with  a  celebrated  porcelain 
manufactory. 

VERSAILLES,  nine  miles  southwest  of  Paris,  was  for  over  100  years  previ- 
ous to  the  revolution,  the  residence  of  the  French  Court.  Population  30,000. 

FONTAINBLEAU,  with  a  vast  palace,  the  last  abiding  place  of  Napoleon  in 
France,  previous  to  his  banishment.  Here  in  1657  Monaldeschi,  equerry  of 
Christiana,  Queen  of  Sweden,  was  murdered  by  her  command. 

ST.  DENIS,  with  a  celebrated  Benedictine  Abbey,  and  the  oldest  church  in 
Prance,  the  mausoleum  of  her  kings  and  queens. 

SALENOY,  noted  for  its  annual  feast  of  roses,  instituted  in  the  5th  century. 

CREPT,  famous  for  the  treaty  of  peace,  concluded  September  18th,  1544, 
between  Francis  I.  and  Charles  V. 

SOISSONS,  on  the  Aisne,  with  a  remarkable  cathedral,  is  noted  for  a  battle 
in  486,  in  which  Clovi3  defeated  Syagrius,  the  last  Roman  Governor  of  France. 

DREUX,  famed  for  the  battle  in  1562,  between  the  Catholics  and  Protest- 
ants, in  which  Conde  was  taken  prisoner. 

2.  NORMANDY. 

HAVRE,  or  HAVRE  DE  GRACE,  a  fortified  commercial  city,  at 
the  mouth  of  the  Seine,  is  the  chief  seat  of  commerce  with 
America.  Population  30,000. 

ROUEN,  the  ancient  capital  of  Normandy,  with  considerable 
commerce,  and  numerous  and  important  manufactures.  Pop- 
ulation 100,000. 

CAEN,  with  lace  manufactures  and  a  church  containing 
the  remains  of  William  the  Conqueror.  Population  43,000. 

CHERBOURG,  a  fortified  town  and  naval  depot,  on  the  chan- 
nel, famous  for  its  breakwater  and  docks.  Population  20,000. 

DIEPPE,  a  maritime  town  on  the  English  channel,  renowned  for  its  ssa 
baths  and  herring  fisheries.  Population  17,000. 

FALAISE,  noted  as  the  birth  place  of  William  the  Conqueror. 


EUBOPE.  249 


3.  PICARDY. 

CALAIS,  a  fortified  town  on  the  strait  of  Dover,  at  this  point  18  miles  wide, 
lias  cotton  manufactures  and  sea  baths.  Daily  steamers  ply  between  here 
and  Dover. 

AMIENS,  the  fortified  ancient  capital  of  Picardy,  is  celebra- 
ted for  its  manufactures  of  velvet,  carpets,  etc.  Peace  was 
conclued  here  between  England  and  France,  March  25th, 
1802.  Population  54,000. 

CRECY,  noted  for  the  battle  of  the  26th  August,  134G,  between  the  English 
and  the  French,  in  which  cannon  were  first  used. 

ST.  QUENTIN,  with  manufactures  of  lace  and  shawls,  and  20,000  inhabi- 
tants. Battle  between  the  French  and  Spaniards,  1557. 

HAM,  with  the  strong  castle  in  which  Louis  Napoleon  was  imprisoned. 

4.  ARTOIS. 

ARRAS,  the  ancient  fortified  capital  of  Artois,  celebrated 
for  its  lace  manufactures.  Population  25,000. 

ST.  OMER,  with  tobacco  manufactories,  and  20,000  inhabi- 
tants. 

AOINCOURT,  noted  for  the  victory  Henry  V.  of  England  obtained  over  the 
French,  Oct.  25th  1415. 

5.  BOULONNATS. 

BOULOGNE,  the  ancient  capital,  on  the  Strait  of  Dover,  with 
noted  sea  baths  and  fisheries.  Population  27,000. 

6.  FRENCH   FLANDERS. 

CAMBRAY,  a  fortified  town  on  the  Scheldt,  noted  for  its 
cambric  manufactures.  It  contains  the  Sepulchre  of  Arch- 
bishop Fenelon.  Population  32,000. 

VALENCIENNES,  also  a  fortified  town  on  the  Scheldt,  with 
renowned  lace  manufactures,  and  21,000  inhabitants. 

LILLE,  the  ancient  capital  of  the  province,  is  one  of  the 
strongest  fortified  cities  in  France,  with  manufactures  of  cloth 
and  linen.  Population  80,000. 

DOUAY,  is  noted  as  the  place  where  the  Roman  Catholic  version  of  the 
Bible  was  translated  into  English. 

DUNKIRK,  on  the  North  sea,  has  considerable  commerce,  and  25,000  in- 
habitants. 

7.  CHAMPAGNE. 

TROYES,  the  ancient  capital  of  Champagne,  on  the  Seine, 
with  numerous  cotton  manufactures,  and  26,000  inhabitants. 

lr* 


250  GEOGRAPHICAL   HAND    BOOK. 

RHEIMS,  83  miles  from  Paris,  is  noted  for  its  splendid 
cathedral,  in  which  the  kings  of  France  were  formerly 
crowned.  It  has  great  wine  trade  (Champagne  wine,)  and 
40,000  inhabitants. 

SEDAN,  on  the  Meuse,  renowned  for  its  cloth  manufactures. 

CHALONS  STJR  MARXE,  celebrated  in  history  for  the  defeat  of  Atilla  the. 
Hun,  in  451. 

ST.  MENEHOULD,  a  village  noted  as  the  place  where  Louis  XVI.  was  ap- 
prehended, June  22d,  1791,  on  his  flight  from  Paris. 

8.   LORRAINE. 

NANCY,  the  ancient  capital  of  the  province,  and  one  of  the 
most  handsome  cities  of  France,  with  32,000  inhabitants. 
Here  Charles  the  Bold  of  Burgundy,  was  killed  in  a  battle, 
in  1477. 

LUNEVILLE,  noted  for  the  treaty  of  peace  between  France  and  Austria,  in 
1801. 

METZ,  on  the  Moselle,  a  strongly  fortified  city,  with  48,000 
inhabitants.  Here  Louis  the  Pious,  son  of  Charlemagne, 
lies  interred. 

VERDUN,  on  the  Meuse,  is  known  in  history  as  the  place  where  the  three 
sons  of  Louis  the  Pious  concluded  the  compact  by  which  Germany,  France 
and  Italy  became  separate  kingdoms. 

9.    ALSACE. 

STRASBURG,  ati  ancient  imperial  city  of  the  German  em- 
pire, situated  near  the  Rhine,  with  70,000  inhabitants.  It  is 
noted  for  its  magnificent  cathedral,  the  spire  of  which  is  466 
feet  high,  from  the  giddy  top  of  which  the  waters  of  the 
Rhine  can  be  viewed  for  a  great  distance. 

COLMAR,  41  miles  southwest  of  Strasburg,  famous  for  its  extensvie  cotton 
manufactures. 

10.  BOURGOGNE, 

Or  the  ancient  duchy  of  Burgundy. 

DIJON,  the  ancient  capital,  is  noted  for  its  wine  manufac- 
tures. Population  27,000. 

' .  MACON,  on  the  Saone,  Chalons  Sur  Saone,  and  Auxerre,  have  each  about 
13,000  inhabitants. 

VEZELAY,  a  small  town,  famed  in  history  as  the  place  where  St.  Bernard 
preached  the  second  cr-usade. 

FERNET,  four  miles  from  Geneva,  is  noted  as  the  residence  of  Voltaire. 

11.  FRANCHE  COMTE. 

BESAXCON,  near  the  Jura  mountain-',  has  numerous  manufactories,  espe- 
cially of  watches,  and  32,000  inhabitants. 


EUROPE.  251 

MONTBELIARD  is  noted  as  the  birthplace  of  the  celebrated  naturalist,  Cuvier^ 
12.  BOURBONNAIS. 

MOULINS,  the  ancient  capital,  with  manufactures  of  cutlery, 
and  16,000  inhabitants. 

BOURBON  L'ABCHAMBACJLT,  noted  for  its  warm  baths. 

13.  NIVERNAIS. 

NEVERS,  the  old  capital  of  Nivernais,  has  an  extensive  gun 
foundry,  a  magnificent  cathedral,  and  18,000  inhabitants. 

14.  BERRY. 

EOURGES,  the  former  capital,  with  a  remarkable  ancient 
castle,  a  magnificent  cathedral  and  26,000  inhabitants. 

VALENCAT,  remarkable  for  the  palace  of  Talleyrand,  where  Ferdinand  the 
VII.  of  Spain  and  his  brother  Don  Carlos  were  imprisoned  by  Napoleon, 
from  1808  to  1814. 

15.  ORLEANAIS. 

ORLEANS,  on  the  Loire,  with  considerable  trade  and  47,- 
000  inhabitants.  On  the  bridge  crossing  the  Loire  at  this 
place,  stands  a  statue  of  the  Maid  of  Orleans,  who  liberated 
the  city  in  1429. 

BLOIS,  noted  for  its  castle,  where  the  Duke  of  Guise  was  murdered  by 
order  of  Henry  III. 
VENDOME,  with  noted  glove  manufactures. 

16.  TOURAINE. 

TOURS,  on  the  Loire,  in  a  fertile  region,  called  the  Garden 
of  France,  is  noted  for  its  silk  manufactures,  and  the  victory 
of  Charles  Martel  over  the  Moors  in  732.  Population  28,000 

17.  ANJOU. 

ANGERS,  ancient  capital,  with  a  remarkable  Cathedral,  and 
37,000  inhabitants.  Celebrated  slate  quarries  exist  in  the 
vicinity. 

18.  MAINE  AND  PERCHE. 

LE  MANS,  with  noted  bleacheries,  and  24,000  inhabitant?. 
LAVAL,   has    extensive   linen   manufactures.     Population 
1 9,000. 

19.  BRITTANY. 

RENNES,  the  ancient  capital,  with  excellent  sail-cloth 
nanufactures,  and  37,000  inhabitants.  Near  this  the  cele- 
jrated  Bertrand  du  Guesclin  was  born,  1313. 


252  GEOGRAPHICAL    HAND   BOOK. 

ST.  MALO,  on  the  channel,  has  numerous  docks,  "where  merchant  vessels 
are  built. 

BREST,  a  fortified  city,  and  chief  naval  station  of  France 
on  the  Atlantic,  has  a  fine  harbor,  an  extensive  arsenal  and 
32,000  inhabitants. 

L'OniENT,  also  a  fortified  town  and  naval  station.     Population  20,000. 
NANTES,  on  the  Loire,  is  a  large,  beautiful  and  very  impor- 
tant commercial  city,  with  90,000  inhabitants.     It  is  memor- 
able for  the  edict  of  Henry  IV.  in  1598,  securing  toleration 
to  Protestants. 

20.  POITOU. 

POICTIERS,  the  ancient  capital,  with  a  beautiful  Cathedral 
and  24,000  inhabitants. 

LUSIGNAN,  the  ancestral  seat  of  the  last  king  of  Jerusalem. 

21.  AUNISAND  SANITONGE. 

LA  ROCHELLB,  a  noted  stronghold  of  the  Protestants,  is  memorable  for  its 
Biege  of  13  months,  sustained  in  1627  and  1628.  Population  17,000. 

22.  ANGOUMAIS. 

ANGOULEME,  has  an  important  wine  and  brandy  trade, 
and  18,000  inhabitants. 

COGNAC,  noted  for  the  excellence  of  its  brandy.  Near  this  is  Jaruac, 
famed  for  the  battle  in  1569,  where  the  prince  of  Conde  was  killed. 

23,  LA  MARCHE. 

With  no  large  cities. 

24.  LIMOUSIN. 

LIMOGES,  the  former  capital,  is  noted  for  its  horse  marts. 
Population  31,000. 

In  the  vicinity  of  Chalus,  was  a  castle,  at  the  siege  of  which  Richard 
Coeur  de  Lion  was  killed  by  an  arrow  in  1199. 

25.  AUVERGNE. 

CLERMONT,  has  great  trade,  manufactures,  and  celebrated 
cheese.  Here  in  1095  the  Council  met,  which  resolved  upon 
the  first  crusade.  Population  34,000. 

26.  LYONNAIS. 

LYONS,  at  the  confluence  of  the  Saone  and  Rhone,  is  the 
second  city  of  France  in  population,  and  the  seat  of  the  silk 
manufactures.  Its  40,000  looms  give  employment  to  80,000 
operatives.  Population  210,000. 

ST.  ETIENNE,  noted  for  its  extensive  manufactures  of  fire 
arms,  hardware,  and  silk  riband.  Population  54,000. 

27.  GUYENNE. 

BORDEAUX,  on  the  Garonne,  is,  next  to  Marseilles,  the  great 


EUROPE.  253 

'commercial  city  of  the  empire,  and  the  chief  seat  of  the  wine 
4rade.     Population  120,000. 
.MANTAUBAN,  with  a  considerable  inland  trade,  and  25,000  inhabitants. 

28.   GASCONY. 

BAYONNE,  a  fortified  maritime  and  commercial  town,  near 
'the  Spanish  border,  noted  for  its  smoked  hams.  Bayonets 
were  invented  here  in  1679. 

AUCH,  the  old  capital,  with  a  splendid  cathedral,  and  11,000  inhabitants. 

29.  NAVARRE  AND  BEARN.  30.  FOIX. 

These  contain  no  large  towns. 

Between  the  province  of  Foix,  and  Catalonia,  in  Spain,  lies  the  small  re- 
public of  Andorra,  the  independence  of  which  dates  from  the  days  of  Char- 
lemagne. Its  area  is  192  square  miles.  Population  16,000.  Capital,  An- 
dorra. 

31.  ROUSILLON. 

PERPIGNAW,  the  ancient  capital,  near  the  Mediterranean,  is 
the  most  southerly  town  in  France,  with  20,000  inhabitants. 

32.  LANGUEDOC. 

TOULOUSE,  on  the  Garonne,  in  the  midst  of  a  beautiful 
plain,  at  the  commencement  of  the  Canal  du  Midi,  is  the 
centre  of  commerce  for  southern  France.  It  has  numerous 
manufactures  and  80,000  inhabitants. 

MONTPELLIER,  near  the  Mediterranean,  has  a  fine  climate, 
rendering  it  a  resort  of  invalids.  Population  37,000. 

ALBY,  noted  as  the  chief  seat  of  the  Albigenses. 

NIMES,  with  numerous  manufactures  and  45,000  inhabi- 
tants, is  noted  for  the  aqueduct  called  Pont  du  Gard,  built  by 
the  Romans. 

CARCASSONNE,  with  cloth  manufactures  and  20,000  inhabitants. 

33.  DAUPHINY. 

GRENOBLE,  the  ancient  capital,  is  remarkable  for  its  manu- 
factures of  gloves,  with  30,000  inhabitants.  This  is  the  birth 
place  ot  Bayard,  the  celebrated  knight,  Sans  Peur  et  Sans 
Reproche,  to  whom  a  statue  was  erected  in  1823. 

VIENNE,  with  numerous  Roman  antiquities,  and  17,000  inhabitant*. 

34.  PROVENCE. 

MARSEILLES,  a  seaport  on  the  Mediterranean,  and  the  first 
commercial  city  of  France,  has  numerous  manufactures  and 
a  quarantine  hospital  esteemed  the  best  in  Europe.  It  car- 


254  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND-BOOK. 

ries  on  a  great  trade  with  the  Levant.  This  city  was  founded 
600  years  before  the  Christian  era,  by  Greek  colonists.  Popu- 
lation 160,000. 

ARLES,  on  the  Rhone,  has  many  remarkable  ancient  buildings.  Popula- 
tion 22, 000. 

TOULON,  a  fortified  city  and  chief  naval  station  on  the 
Mediterranean,  with  one  of  the  finest  harbors  in  Europe,  and 
37,000  inhabitants.  Here  Napoleon  gained  his  first  laurels. 

Aix,  the  ancient  capital  of  Provence,  in  a  large  valley  celebrated  for  olive 
trees.  In  this  region  Marius  conquered  the  Teutons,  102  A.  C. 

35.  AVIGNON  AND  VENAISSIN. 

Avignon,  on  the  Rhone,  with  excellent  silk  manufactures 
and  cannon  founderies.  Here  the  Popes  had  their  residence 
from  1305  to  1377,  which  period  is  called  the  Roman  Baby- 
lonian captivity.  Population  33,000. 

86.  THE  ISLAND  OF  CORSICA, 

In  the  Mediterranean,  is  very  mountainous,  but  neverthe- 
less quite  fertile,  with  222,000  inhabitants.  The  strait  of 
Bonifacio  separates  it  from  Sardinia. 

AJACCIO,  the  chief  town,  noted  as  being  the  birth-place  of  Napoleon,  -with 
10,000  inhabitants. 

The  possessions  of  France  outside  of  Europe,  are  : 

1.  In  Asia — the  district  of  Pondichery,  and  other  settlements  in  the  East 
Indies. 

2.  In  Africa — the  city  of  Algiers,  with  a  considerable  surrounding  territory, 
some  fortifications  in  Senegal  and  Guinea,  and  the  isle  of  Bourbon. 

3.  In  America — some   islands   in   the  West   Indies,  viz :  Martinique  and 
Guadeloupe  ;  also  a  part  of  Guiana,  in  South  America. 


BELGIUM. 

Area  11,400  square  miles.     Population  4,550,000. 

Belgium  formed  part  of  one  of  the  three  divisions  of  Gaul, 
mentioned  by  Julius  Cassar,  and  was  afterwards  merged  in 
the  great  empire  of  Charlemagne.  Subsequently  coming  un- 
der the  rule  of  Charles  V.,  it  became  united  to  the  Spanish 
monarchy,  but  in  1714  was  annexed  to  Austria,  and  so  re- 
mained until  1797,  when  it  was  by  treaty  ceded  to  France. 
Upon  the  downfall  of  Napoleon,  the  allies  united  Holland  and 
Belgium,  under  the  name  of  the  Netherlands,  but  this  union 


EUROPE.  155 

proving  inharmonious,  in  1830  the  present  kingdom  of  Bel- 
gium revolted  and  established  its  independence. 

Belgium  is  bounded  north  by  the  North  sea  and  the  Neth- 
erlands, east  by  the  Netherlands  and  Germany,  and  south 
and  west  by  France. 

Surface,  fyc.— In  the  southeast  are  the  hills  of  the  Arden- 
nes forest,  which  do  not  rise  to  an  elevation  of  over  1,500 
feet.  In  the  west  the  surface  is  quite  level,  and  the  soil  fertile 
arid  so  well  cultivated  as  to  entitle  it  to  be  called  the  garden 
of  Europe. 

Rivers. — The  Meuse  and  Scheldt  are  the  principal  rivers, 
both  of  which  rise  in  France,  and  flow  through  Belgium 
and  the  Netherlands,  into  the  North  sea.  The  former  has 
its  source  in  the  Cotes  d'Or,  the  latter  in  the  Ardennes. 

Climate. — In  the  northwest,  towards  the  North  sea,  it  is 
liable  to  frequent  mists  and  dews;  in  the  east  the  air  is 
purer;  in  general  however,  the  climate  is  very  mild  and  salu- 
brious. 

Products. — Grain,  madder,  hops,  and  tobacco,  are  the 
principal  products;  much  flax  and  hemp  are  grown,  and 
the  linen  and  laces,  manufactured  therefrom,  are  in  great  de- 
mand. The  produce  in  the  western  part  is  carried  by  the 
numerous  canals,  and  in  the  interior  by  railroads. 

Minerals. — The  principal  minerals  are  iron  and  coal;  but 
besides  these,  magnesia,  lead  and  zinc,  are  obtained  in  con- 
siderable quantities. 

Manufactures. — The  chief  objects  of  manufacture  are  lace,, 
cloth,  linen  and  cotton  goods,  fire  arms,  steam  engines,  leath- 
er and  carpets.  Belgium  ranks  as  one  of  the  first  manufacturing 
nations  of  Europe. 

Education. — Schools  for  primary  instruction  are  established 
throughout  the  whole  kingdom,  and  in  general  there  are  su- 
perior schools  in  the  cities.  All  the  Catholic  schools  are  un- 
der the  immediate  control  of  the  clergy.  Of  the  four  univer- 
sities, three  are  Catholic,  and  one  is  styled  "The  Free  Univer- 
sity," located  at  Brussels. 

Inhabitants. — Most  of  the  inhabitants  are  Roman  Catho- 
lics, but  free  toleration  is  extended  to  all  denominations. 
The  Belgians  are  affable  and  lively,  and  greatly  resemble  in 
manners  their  neighbors  the  French,  the  language  of  whom 
they  use.  Belgium  is  the  most  densely  populated  country 
in  Europe.  The  government  is  a  constitutional  monarchy. 


256  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

DIVISIONS. 

The  different  provinces  are : 

1.  Antwerp.  6.  West  Flanders. 

2.  Limburg.  7.  Hainault. 

3.  Liege.  8.  Namur. 

4.  South  Brabant.  9.  Belgian  Luxemburg. 

5.  East  Flanders. 

1.  ANTWERP. 

ANTWERP,  situated  on  the  Scheldt,  is  a  strongly  fortified  and 
the  chief  commercial  city  of  Belgium,  with  an  excellent 
harbor  and  extensive  docks.  It  is  noted  for  its  Cathedral, 
with  a  steeple  444  feet  high  ;  the  merchants'  exchange,  erect- 
ed in  1530, the  largest  and  oldest  in  Europe;  and  the  citadel, 
built  by  the  Duke  of  Alba  in  1567.  Antwerp,  about  the  close 
ol  the  15th,  and  during  nearly  the  whole  of  the  16th  century, 
was  the  emporium  for  the  greater  part  of  Europe.  Here 
resided  Rubens  and  other  painters  of  the  Flemish  school. 
Poputation  80,000. 

MECHLIN,  about  midway  between'Antwerp  and  Brussels, 
has  lace  manufactuies  and  a  remarkable  cathedral.  It  is 
the  residence  of  the  Archbishop  and  Primas  of  Belgium. 
Population  26,000. 

LIEU,  noted  for  its  breweries  with  14,000  inhabitants. 
?.  LIMBURO. 

Only  the  western  part  of  this  province,  in  which  are  no 
cities  of  importance,  belongs  to  Belgium ;  the  eastern  part 
belongs  to  Holland. 

3.  LIEGE. 

LIEGE,  a  fortified  city  on  the  Meuse,  28  miles  southwest  of 
Aix  La  Chapelle,  is  celebrated  for  its  manufactures  of  fire 
arms,  its  cannon  foundery,  iron  works  and  coal  [mines. 
Population  73,000. 

LIMBURG,  the  former  capital  of  the  ancient  dutchy  of  Limburg,  is  noted 
for  its  strong  smelling  cheese  and  cloth  manufactures. 

VERVIERS,  with  important  cloth  manufactures  and  21,000 
inhabitants. 

SPA,  celebrated  for  its  mineral  springs. 

HERSTALL,  ancestral  seat  of  the  grandfather  of  Charlemagne, 

4.  SOUTH  BRABANT. 

BRUSSELS,  situated  on  both  sides  of  the  small  river  Senne, 


EUROPE.  25? 

is  the  capital  of  the  kingdom,  and  one  of  the  most  "beautiful 
cities  in  Europe.  It  is  distinguished  for  its  manufactures  of 
lace,  carpets,  tapestry,  silks,  and  earthenware.  It  contains 
many  public  edifices,  amongst  which  may  be  mentioned  its 
Gothic  Hall,  where  the  Counts  of  Egmont  and  Hoorn  were 
executed.  The  royal  castle  of  Laeken  is  situated  three 
miles  north  of  the  city. 

Ten  miles  south  of  Brussels  is  the  village  of  Waterloo,  celebrated  for  the 
great  battle  fought  by  the  French,  under  Napoleon,  and  the  allied  army 
under  Wellington,  June  18th,  1815. 

LOUVAIN,  formerly  a  great  manufacturing  city,  with  200,- 
000  inhabitants,  now  numbering  28,000.  It  is  noted  for  its 
university,  churches  and  town  hall. 

5.  EAST  FLANDERS. 

GHENT,  on  the  Scheldt,  is  the  centre  of  the  Belgian  cotton 
manufactures,  and  contains  the  palace  in  which  Charles  V. 
was  bom.  Here  the  treaty  of  peace  between  the  United 
States  and  Great  Britain  waj  concluded  in  1814.  Popula- 
tion 90,000. 

OUDESARDB,  also  on  the  Scheldt,  is  celebrated  for  the  great  battle  of  1708, 
in  the  Spanish  succession  war,  in  which  the  Danish  auxiliaries  greatly  dis- 
tinguished themselves. 

6.  WEST  FLANDERS. 

BRUGES,  with  great  morocco  and  lace  manufactures,  and 
45,000  inhabitants.  Its  town  house  is  a  splendid  edifice,  the 
steeple  of  which  is  supplied  with  a  chime  of  bells,  which 
play  a  different  tune  every  quarter  of  an  hour. 

OSTEND,  on  the  North  Sea,  is  greatly  resorted  to  for  sea  bathing,  and  has 
13,000  inhabitants.  This  town  is  famous  for  the  American  Manifesto. 

COURTRAY,  near  the  French  frontier,  is  noted  for  its  manu- 
facture of  linen  of  the  finest  quality.  Population  20,000. 

YPERN,  with  a  remarkable  cathedral,  lace  manufactures,  and  18,000  in- 
habitants. 

7.  IIAINAULT. 

TOURNAY,  a  fortified  city  on  the  Scheldt,  with  33,000  inhab- 
itants. The  carpet  manufactures  of  this  place  are  very  exten- 
sive, employing  many  thousands  of  operatives  in  this  branch 
of  industry. 

JEMAPPES,  noted  for  a  battle  in  1792,  between  the  Austrians  and  French, 
in  which  the  former  were  defeated. 
FONTENAY  and  FLEURUS  are  noted  for  battles. 


258  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

MONS  is  also  a  town  of  considerable  cotton  and  lace  manu- 
factures, with  24,000  inhabitants.  It  is  noted  for  its  coal  and 
mill-stone  quarries  in  the  vicinity. 

8.  THE  PROVINCE  OF  NAMUR. 

NAMUR,  a  fortified  city,  important  from  its  manufactures  of 
cutlery,  leather  and  earthen- ware.     Population  25,000. 
9.  BELGIAN  LUXEMBURG. 

The  Belgian  part  is  the  western  part  of  the  province ;  the  eastern  part  be- 
longs to  the  German  confederation,  and  is  ruled  by  the  king  of  Holland,  on 
account  of  which  he  is  a  member  of  the  confederacy. 

BOUILLOIT,  the  residence  of  Godfrey,  the  renowned  leader  of  the  first  army 
of  the  crusaders. 

ARLON,  in  the  midst  of  extensive  forests,  with  leather  man- 
ufactures. 


THE  NETHERLANDS,  OR  HOLLAND. 

Area  13,200  square  miles.     Population  3,260,000. 

The  Netherlands  first  came  into  separate  political  import- 
ance in  1579,  when  the  provinces  of  Holland,  Zealand, 
Utrecht,  Gelderland,  Friesland  and  Groningen,  formed  their 
celebrated  union  at  Utrecht,  and  chose  the  Prince  of  Orange  as 
their  Stadtholder.  They  established  an  independent  republic 
and  became  one  of  the  most  influential  of  States,  whose  navy 
for  a  period,  during  the  17th  century,  was  the  most  powerful 
in  Europe.  In  1794  the  French  waged  war  against  this  re- 
public, and  changed  it  into  the  Batavian  Republic,  after  which 
Napoleon,  in  1806,  transformed  it  into  the  kingdom  of  Holland. 
After  the  fall  of  Napoleon,  the  Allies  united  Belgium  and  the 
Netherlands  into  the  kingdom  of  the  United  Netherlands, 
which  existed  until  1830,  when  they  were  again  severed  in 
the  Belgian  revolution. 

This  kingdom  is  bounded  north  and  west  by  the  North 
sea,  east  by  Germany,  and  south  by  the  same  and  Belgium. 

Surface,  fyc. — No  mountains  are  found  in  any  part  of  the 
Netherlands,  except  in  the  Grand  Duchy  of  Luxemburg  : 
branches  of  the  Ardennes.  The  remainder  of  the  country  is 
level,  and  some  of  it  lies  even  lower  than  the  sea,  on  which 
account  the  inhabitants  have  been  obliged  to  erect  costly 
Dikes  to  guard  against  inundations,  where  nature  itself  does 
not  effect  this  by  the  sand-hills,  on  the  coast,  called  Downs. 


EUROPE.  259 

These  artificial  embankments  require  to  be  guarded  with  the 
greatest  care;  and  even  then  they  have  not,  at  all  times,  proved 
sufficient  to  withstand  the  raging  North  sea,  as  it  has  already 
broken  through  these  and  caused  great  destruction  of  pro- 
perty. 

Rivers. — The  Rhine  branches  here  into  four  arms:  1st,  the 
Waal,  and  2nd,  the  Leek,  which  unite  with  the  Meuse,  and 
empty  into  the  North  sea;  3d,  the  Yssel,  and  4th,  the  Vecht, 
both  of  which  flow  into  the  Zuyder  Zee.  Before  the  Rhine 
reaches  the  North  sea,  and  beyond  Leyden,  its  stream  be- 
comes extremly  small,  and  during  low  water  is  almost 
consumed  in  the  sand.  Besides  these  rivers,  a  great  number 
of  canals  are  made  through  this  country.  The  most  noted 
of  these  canals  is  the  Great  Dutch  canal,  50  miles  long,  124 
feet  wide,  and  25  deep,  running  from  Amsterdam  to  Holder. 
This  was  made  to  avoid  the  difficult  passage  through  the 
Zuyder  Zee,  and  is  sufficently  capacious  for  the  largest  ves- 
sels to  sail  therein. 

Climate. — The  climate  of  the  Netherlands  is  very  humid, 
and  heavy  fogs  are  driven  in  from  the  sea,  and  at  times  are 
so  dense  that  the  ground  is  scarcely  visible.  On  account  of 
the  frequent  vapors,  the  winters  are  seldom  severe,  and  the 
summers,  for  the  same  reason,  not  very  warm. 

Products. — As  the  soil  grows  grass  abundantly,  fine  horn- 
ed cattle  are  raised,  and  great  quantities  of  butter  and  cheese 
made.  Turf  is  obtained  in  the  bogs.  Herring  are  caught  in 
large  quantities  and  salted  for  export,  and  these  go  under  the 
name  of  Flemish  herring.  Linen,  paper  and  tobacco,  are 
important  products  of  this  country. 

Manufactures. — Besides  the  articles  of  paper  and  linen, 
the  manufacture  of  woolen  cloth,  silk  velvet,  and  leather, 
occupies  considerable  attention,  as  do  also  the  distillation  of 
liquors,  and  the  refining  of  sugar.  The  best  kind  of  tobacco 
pipes  are  made  here. 

Education. — The  Dutch  are  ranked  as  one  of  the  most  in- 
telligent nations  of  Europe,  as  means  are  provided  here  for 
the  general  dissemination  of  learning  amongst  all,  and  the 
wealthier  classes  exhibit  no  lack  of  solid  and  extensive  eru- 
dition. There  are  three  Universities,  rated  as  amongst  the 
best  in  Europe. 

Inhabitants. — The  larger  part  of  the  inhabitants  adhere  to 
the  Reiormed  church.  The  Hollanders,  or  Dutch,  are  not 


260  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND   BOOK. 

talkative,  but  grave  and  serious,  without  at  the  same  time 
being  unsocial.  Their  language  has  great  similarity  to  the 
German,  arid  this  is  owing  to  the  fact  that  the  Netherlands 
at  one  time  formed  a  part  of  Germany.  At  the  head  of  the 
government  is  a  king,  whose  power  is  limited  by  the  States 
General,  consisting  of  two  houses.  Being  also  the  Grand 
Duke  of  Luxemburg  and  Limburg,  the  king  is  a  member 
of  the  German  Confederacy,  in  which  he  has  one  vote. 


DIVISIONS. 
The  provinces  of  the  Netherlands  are : 

1.  Holland. 

2.  Utrecht, 

3.  Geldern.       ^ 

4.  Overyssel.     j-   washed  by  the  Zuyder  Zee. 

5.  Friesland.     J 

6.  Groningen,  northeast,  on  the  North  Sea. 

7.  Drenthe,  south  of  Groningen 

8.  Zealand,  consists  almost  of  islands  southwest  of  Holland. 

9.  North  Brabant,  south  of  Holland  and  Gelderland. 

10.  Limburg,  only  the  eastern  part  of  which  belongs  to  Holland. 

11.  The  Grand  Dutchy  of  Luxemburg,  only  the  eastern  part  of  which 
likewise  belongs  to  Holland  ;  the  rest  to  Belgium. 

1.  THE  PROVINCE  OF  HOLLAND. 

AMSTERDAM,  situated  on  an  arm  of  the  Zuyder  Zee,  is  the 
emporium  of  the  kingdom  and  one  of  the  most  commercial 
cities  of  Europe.  Being  located  upon  flat,  marshy  ground,  it 
is  built  upon  piles,  and  is  divided  by  canals  into  numerous 
islands  which  are  united  together  by  almost  300  bridges. 
The  principal  edifices  are :  1.  The  Town  Hall,  now  a  royal 
palace,  in  the  lower  story  of  which  the  bank  is  situated, 
which  contains  millions  of  money  ;  2.  The  Great  Exchange, 
where  almost  incessantly  an  immense  throng  of  people  are 
streaming  to  and  fro.  Here  Spinosa,  the  great  originator  of 
the  system  of  pantheism,  was  born. 

ZAAKDAM  or  SAARDAM,  a  small  town  with  extensive  docks,  in  which  Peter 
the  Great,  in  1697,  learned  the  art  of  ship  building.  Population  12,000. 

BEOEK,  a  small  town  where  the  wealthy  of  Amsterdam  fyave  retired  from 
business,  noted  for  its  remarkable  cleanliness.  No  stranger  is  permitted  to 
enter  any  house,  until  he  has  pulled  off  his  boots  and  put  on  clean  slippers. 

ALKMAAR,  is  noted  for  its  vast  trade  in  cheese. 

EDAM,  near  the  Zuyder  Zee,  also  carries  on  a  considerable  trade  in  cheese^ 
called  the  Edam  cheese. 

TEXEL,  an  island  with  a  large  harbor,  where  ships  arc 
safely  moored.  Large  vessels  must  here,  when  passing 


EUROPE.  261 

through  the  Zuyder  Zee,  unload  a  large  part  of  their  cargoes 
before  they  can  reach  Amsterdam.  Several  small  towns  are 
built  upon  this  island,  principally  inhabited  by  fishermen 
and  pilots. 

HARLEM,  on  the  banks  of  lake  Harlem,  has  one  of  the 
largest  organs,  and  also  one  of  the  most  extensive  and  cele- 
brated botanical  gardens  in  the  world.  Population  24,000. 

LEYDEN,  is  celebrated  for  its  University,  one  of  the  oldest 
in  the  world.  Its  trade  in  wool  and  salt  is  considerable. 
Population  36,000. 

HAGUE,  the  capital,  and  royal  residence,  is  one  of  the  most 
handsome  and  best  built  cities  in  Europe.  The  King's 
country  palace,  called  the  "  House  in  the  Wood,"  is  in  the 
vicinity.  Population  66,000. 

RYSWICK,  near  the  Hague,  is  celebrated  for  the  peace  concluded  here  in 
1697. 

ROTTERDAM,  the  second  commercial  city  of  Holland,  with 
85,000  inhabitants.  Many  canals  course  through  this  city, 
admitting  the  largest  vessels  to  the  doors  of  the  warehouses. 
The  most  important  buildings  are  the  Exchange,  larger  and 
more  beautiful  than  that  in  Amsterdam ;  and  the  buildings 
belonging  to  the  navy,  with  the  wharves  and  the  magazines. 
This  is  the  birth-place  of  the  renowned  scholar,  Erasmus. 

DORT,  situated  on  an  island  in  the  river  Merwede,  with  a 
population  of  22,000.  It  is  noted  in  history,  for  the  Protes- 
tant synod  held  here  in  1618-19.  It  contains  the  Holland 
mint.  Hugo  Grotius  was  born  here. 

DELFT,  remarkable  as  the  burial  place  of  the  Princes  of  Orange  and  Ad- 
miral Tromp. 

2.  UTRECHT. 

UTRECHT,  on  the  Rhine,  with  a  university,  and  45,000  in- 
habitants. Here  the  provinces  which  revolted  from  the  ty- 
ranny of  the  cruel  king,  Philip  II.,  established  in  1579,  their 
celebrated  union. 

ZEYST,  a  Moravian  settlement,  noted  for  its  boarding  school  for  young 
ladies. 

3.  GELDERN,  OR  GELDERLAND. 

NIMEGUEN,  a  fortified  town  on  the  Waal,  with  20,000  in- 
habitants, is  remarkable  for  the  peace  concluded  here  in  1679. 
4.  OVERYSSEL. 

ZWOLL,  a  fortified  town,  near  the  Yssel,  has  a  considerable 
trade.  Population  18,000. 


2C2  'GEOGRAPHICAL  EAND-BOO&. 

DEVENTER,  noted  for  its  honey  cakes. 

5.  FRIESLAND. 

LEEUWARDEN  is  intersected  by  canals,  extending  to  the  sea, 
so  that  ships  can  enter  the  city.  Population  22,000, 

6.  GRONINGEN. 

GRONINGEN  is  the  principal  city  in  the  northern  part  of  the 
kingdom,  with  a  celebrated  university,  and  31,000  inhabit- 
ants. It  contains  a  deaf  and  dumb  institute. 

7.  DRENTHE, 

The  poorest  and  least  populous  of  all  the  Netherland  pro- 
vinces, contains  no  towns  of  importance. 

8.  ZEALAND. 

MiDDLEBURGj  on  the  island  of  Walcheren,  is  united  to  the 
sea  by  a  canal,  and  carries  on  an  active  trade,  especially  in 
wine.  Population  20,000. 

FLUSHING,  on  the  Scheldt,  is  a  strongly  fortified  town,  and 
the  station  of  the  Dutch  navy.  The  renowned  Dutch  Ad- 
miral Ruyter  was  born  here,  in  1607* 

9.  NORTH  BRABANT. 

BERGEN  OP  ZOOM,  BBEDA  and  Bois  DU  Due,  are  strongly  fortified  places. 
The  last  has  needle  and  cutlery  manufactures,  with  22,000  inhabitants. 

10.  LIMBURG.* 

MAESTRICHT,  on  the  Meuse,  is  one  of  the  strongest  fortified 
cities  of  Europe,  with  31,000  inhabitants.  It  is  noted  for  its 
quarry  in  Peters'  mountain,  in  the  vicinity,  which  contains 
not  less  than  20,000  horizontal  galleries,  which  have  been 
excavated  here  during  a  period  of  2,000  years,  and  which 
extend,  as  is  asserted,  as  far  as  Liege. 

11.  THE  GRAND  DUCHY  OF  LUXEMBURG. 

LUXEMBURG,  a  strongly  fortified  city  of  the  Germanic 
confederacy,  garrisoned  by  Prussian  soldiers,  the  comman- 
dant of  which  is  appointed  by  the  king  of  Prussia. 

The  Netherlands  owned  once  great  foreign  possessions,  but  these  have 
been  reduced  to  the  following : 

1.  The  most  important  in  Asia,  viz:  the  Sunda  and  Molucca  Islands. 

2.  In  Africa :  several  settlements  in  Guinea. 

*  The  province  of  Limburg,  with  the  exception  of  the  District  of  Maes- 
tricht,  forms,  since  1839,  a  part  of  the  German  confederacy,  ia  lieu  of 
that  part  of  Luxemburg  which  was  ceded  to  Belgium. 


3.  In  America :  the  possessions  in  Guiana,  and  some  islands  in  the  West 
Indies. 


THE  BRITISH  KINGDOM. 

Area  118,000  square  miles.     Population  28,500,000. 

This  kingdom  comprising  Great  Britain  and  Ireland,  is 
one  of  the  most  important  States  of  the  world,  and  surpasses 
all  others  in  the  extent  of  its  manufactures  and  commerce. 
Great  Britain  is  composed  of  the  two  kingdoms  of  England 
and  Scotland,  united  since  1603,  when  James  VI.  of  Scotland 
ascended  the  throne  of  England  by  the  name  of  James  I. 
These  two  kingdoms,  however,  continued  to  be  ruled  by  sepa- 
rate titles  until  they  became  merged  by  the  act  of  union  of  1707* 
Ireland  formed  originally  a  distinct  kingdom,  but  was  con- 
quered by  Henry  II.  of  England  in  1172,  and  in  1800  was 
united  with  the  latter  country,  thereby  merging  its 
separate  nationality.  The  people  of  Ireland,  on  several 
different  occasions,  revolted  against  the  English  government 
' — in  1641,  in  1689,  and  in  1798,  but  have  been  unsuccessful 
in  all  their  attempts  to  regain  their  independence, 

This  kingdom  lies  between  the  North  sea  on  the  east  and 
the  Atlantic  ocean  on  the  west,  and  is  separated  from  France 
by  the  English  channel  and  the  strait  of  Dover. 

Surface,  fyc. — England  is  rather  level  than  mountainous, 
especially  in  the  eastern  part.  In  the  north  are  the  Cheviot 
Hills, on  the  borders  of  Scotland,  3,000  feet  high ;  in  the  south- 
west, the  mountains  of  Cornwall ;  and  in  the  west,  the  Welsh 
mountains,  which  rise  to  an  altitude  of  3,500  feet.  The 
mountains  of  Cornwall  commence  near  the  Bristol  Channel 
as  broad  grazing  hills,  and  rise  in  Cornwall  to  the  height  of 
1,500  feet,  and  afterwards  descend  into  the  steep  capes  of 
Land's  End  and  Lizard's  Point.  The  soil  of  England  is 
not  naturally  rich,  but  an  excellent  system  of  husbandry  has 
rendered  it  very  productive. 

Scotland  is  very  mountainous,  especially  the  highlands  of 
the  north,  composed  of  rough,  rocky  mountains,  overgrown 
with  forests;  and  amongst  these  the  Grampian  Hills  are 
noted  for  their  great  beauties  of  scenery.  These  rise  to  an  ele- 
vation of  4,300  feet.  The  lowlands  are  a  more  level  coun- 
try, and  have  a  moderately  fertile  soil. 

The  surface  of  Ireland  alternates  with  green  meadows  and 


264  GEOGEAPHICAL  HAND   BOOK. 

valleys,  and  but  few  of  the  mountains  rise  to  a  great  height 
The  soil  of  a  large  part  of  Ireland  is  extremely  fertile.  The 
numerous  peat  bogs  supply  the  inhabi.ants  with  fuel.  In  the 
northeast  is  the  Giant's  Causeway,  consisting  of  erect  basalt 
columns,  which  during  low' water  extend  600  feet  into  the 
ocean. 

Rivers. — There  are  no  large  rivers  in  either  of  these  divis- 
ions of  the  United  Kingdom.  The  following,  however,  are 
considerable  streams  :  1.  The  river  Thames,  which  is  very 
wide  in  proportion  to  its  length ;  2.  The  Severn,  which 
empties  into  the  Bristol  channel ;  3.  The  Trent,  which  after 
uniting  with  the  Ouze,  receives  the  name  of  the  Humber, 
and  thenceforth  has  a  breadth  similar  to  an  arm  of  the  sea. 
It  empties  into  the  North  sea. 

Of  the  numerous  expensive  canals  We  observe : 

1.  The  Bridgewater  Canal,  which  extends  from  the  river 
Mersey  and  unites  Manchester  with  Liverpool.     This  canal 
extends  eleven  miles  from  its  commencement  under  ground, 
and  afterwards  goes  almost  50  feet  high  over  the  navigable 
river  Irwell,  so  that  often  ships  sail  under  the  middle  arch  of 
this  canal,  whilst  other  craft  are  passing  over  the  same. 

2.  The   Trent  Mersey  Canal,  which   unites  the  Humber 
with  .the  river  Mersey  so  that  navigation  is  uninterrupted 
from  Hull  on  the  Humber,  at  its  mouth,  to  Liverpool,  at  the 
mouth  of  the  Mersey,  and  consequently  from  the  North  Sea 
to  the  Irish  Sea  internal  navigation  is  complete.     This  canal 
throughout  its  whole  distance  goes  four  times  under  the  earth. 

3.  The  Severn    Thames   Canal,    which   unites   the   river 
Severn  with  the  Thames,  and  goes  fully  one  mils  under  the 
ground. 

Many  and  important  railroads  have  been  made  in  the 
British  kingdom,  especially  in  England,  for  facilitating  com- 
munication between  different  parts,  and  for  the  transporta- 
tion of  merchandise. 

In  Scotland  is  the  large  lake,  Loch  Lomond,  30  miles 
long,  and  10  wide,  whose  shores  offer  a  most  charming  view. 
In  this  lake  lie  30  islands,  some  of  which  are  cultivated. 

The  rivers  of  Scotland  are:  1.  The  Tay;  2.  The  Forth, 
both  of  which  empty  into  the  North-sea.  3.  The  Clyde,  which 
flows  into  the  Irish  *Sea;  and  4th,  the  Tweed,  a  stream  which 
borders  on  England. 

In  Ireland,  the  Shannon  is  the  principal  river,  and  this 


EUROPE.  265 

stream  becomes  in  many  places  deep  and  capacious  as  a  sea, 
and  finally  empties  into  the  Atlantic.  A  great  portion  of 
Ireland  abounds  in  lakes  and  morasses.  The  Dublin  and 
Shannon  Canal  extends  from  Dublin  to  the  Shannon,  and  in 
this  manner  unites  the  Irish  Sea  with  the  Atlantic. 

Climate. — It  is  very  foggy  and  damp,  throughout  the 
whole  of  the  United  Kingdom.  This  condition  of  the  at- 
mosphere moderates  the  heat  of  summer  and  the  cold  of 
winter,  so  that  the  winters  are  rarely  severe,  neither  are  the 
summers  excessively  hot;  and  this  state  of  the  atmosphere 
produces  a  kind  of  melancholy,  called  spleen,  which  engen- 
ders a  disgust  of  life,  that  induces  many  to  commit  suicide. 

Products. — The  chief  products  in  England,  are  wheat, 
barley,  oats,  potatoes  and  hops.  Considerable  attention  is 
devoted  to  the  raising  of  cattle,  particularly  in  Ireland.  The 
English  horses  are  equal,  if  not  superior,  to  those  of  any 
other  country  in  the  world.  The  fisheries  are  very  exten- 
sive, in  which  herring,  mackerel,  salmon  and  codfish  are 
caught;  as  also  many  clams  and  oysters.  The  north  of  Scot- 
land being  a  cold  country,  is  better  adapted  to  the  raising  of 
cattle,  than  agriculture.  Agriculture  is  in  a  less  advanced 
state  in  Ireland  than  in  England,  but  the  English  staples 
are  in  general  cultivated. 

Minerals. — The  mineral  wealth  of  the  British  Isles  is  in- 
exhaustible, especially  iron  and  coal.  There  is  scarcely  a 
mineral  known  to  exist,  which  is  not  found  beneath  their 
surface,  and  successfully  worked  to  a  greater  or  less  extent. 

Manufactures. — England  is  the  greatest  manufacturing 
country  in  the  world,  as  is  also  Scotland,  to  a  certain  extent. 
The  chief  articles  of  English  manufacture,  are  cotton  and 
woolen  goods,  hardware,  earthenware,  silks  and  leather. 
The  chief  manufactures  of  Scotland,  are  those  of  fine  cotton 
goods  and  coarse  linen ;  and  in  Ireland  linen  is  the  chief 
article,  and  this  is  made  in  almost  every  family  and  village. 

Education. — In  England  no  general  system  of  free  school 
education  has  been  adopted,  the  common  schools  by  no  means 
occupying  so  high  a  state  of  improvement  as  they  do  in  Ger- 
many. Those  of  Scotland  are  in  general  better  managed 
and  arranged  than  they  are  in  Ireland,  or  even  in  England. 
The  higher  seminaries  of  learning  are  numerous,  and  there 
are  at  present  eight  universities  in  the  United  Kingdom,  four 
in  Scotland,  three  in  England,  and  one  in  Ireland. 

M 


266  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND-BOOK. 

Commerce. — The  commerce  of  the  United  Kingdom,  is 
superior  to  that  of  any  other  nation  in  the  world,  and  extends 
to  all  quarters  of  the  glohe.  The  amount  of  capital  invested 
in  commerce  is  estimated  to  exceed  $6,000,000,000. 

Inhabitants :  In  England  eighteen  and  a  half  millions, 
in  Scotland  three  millions,  and  in  Ireland  seven  millions, 
making  in  all  the  sum  of  twenty-eight  and  a  half  millions 
in  the  United  British  Kingdom.  The  English  principally 
belong  to  the  Episcopal  Church,  and  the  Scotch  to  the  Pres- 
byterian, but  in  Ireland  more  than  three-fourths  of  the  inhab- 
itants are  Roman  Catholics;  free  toleration  is  established 
throughout  the  United  Kingdom,  and  a  variety  of  sects  exist. 
The  British  are  a  cold,  grave,  and  serious  people,  with  the 
exception  of  the  Highlanders,  the  Celtic  Irish,  and  the  Welsh. 
They  experience  great  pleasure  in  cock  fighting  and  horse 
racing,  in  which  amusements  large  wagers  are  often  staked. 
The  government  is  a  constitutional  monarchy,  the  king  or 
queen  being  limited  by  the  parliament,  consisting  of  a  House 
of  Peers  and  House  of  Commons.  The  former  is  compos- 
ed of  the  Lords  temporal  and  spiritual,  and  the  latter  of 
members  chosen  to  represent  the  people  in  Parliament. 
Queen  Victoria  is  the  present  ruling  Sovereign. 

a.  ENGLAND, 

Consists  1,  of  England  proper. 
"        2,  "     Wales. 

The  former  is  divided  into  40  counties  or  shires,  the  latter 
into  12. 

I.  ENGLAND  PROPER. 

COUNTIES. 

1.  Middlsex.  15.  Bedfordshire.  28.  Northamptonshire. 

2.  Berkshire.  16.  Hampshire.  29.  Rutland. 

3.  Bucks.  17.  Dorsetshire.  30.  Leicestershire. 

4.  Surey.  18.  Devonshire.  31.  Shropshire. 

5.  Kent.  19.  Cornwall.  32.  Cheshire. 

6.  Sussex.  20.   Wiltshire.  33.  Nottinghamshire. 

7.  Essex.  21.  Somersetshire.  34.  Derbyshire. 

8.  Suffolk.  22.  Gloucestershire.  35.  Lancashire. 

9.  Norfolk.  23.  Monmouthshire.          30.  Yorkshire. 
10.  Cambridgeshire.          24.  Herefordshire.  37.  Durhamshire. 
ll!  Huntingdonshire.       25.  Worcestershire.  38.  Northumberland. 

12.  Lincolnshire.  26-  Warwickshire.  39.  Cumberland. 

13.  Hertfordshire.  27.  Staffordshire.  40.  Westmoreland. 

14.  Oxfordshire. 


EUROPE,  261 

1.  MIDDLESEX. 

LONDON,  situated  on  both  sides  of  the  river  Thames,  65 
miles  from  the  North  sea,  the  capital  of  the  kingdom  and 
the  residence  of  the  Sovereign,  is  the  largest  and  most  popu- 
lous city  in  Europe,  and  the  commercial  emporium  of  the 
world.  It  is  seven  miles  long  and  five  wide,  and  contains 
2,500,000  inhabitants.  The  city  consists  of  three  parts:  1. 
The  city  proper,  which  comprises  the  eastern  part  and  is  the 
centre  of  trade;  2.  Westminister^  on  the  north  side  of  the 
Thames,  which  is  the  residence  of  the  queen,  the  seat  of  the 
departments  of  State,  and  the  abode  of  all  those  who  be- 
long to  the  nobility  and  the  fashionable  world;  3.  South- 
wark  on  the  south  side  of  the  Thames,  in  which  the  principal 
part  of  the  manuiactures  arg  located.  Railroads  branch  in  all 
directions  from  London  towards  Birmingham,  Bristol,  and 
numerous  other  cities.  The  principal  objects  of  interest  in 
the  metropolis  are:  1.  St.  Paul's  Cathedral,  the  largest  and  most 
magnificent  edifice  in  the  city;  2.  Westminister  Abbey, 
where  the  English  monarchs  are  crowned^and  buried;  3. 
Westminister  Hall,  where  the  Parliament  assembles;  4.  St. 
James'  Palace,  with  a  large  park ;  5.  The  Tower,  an  ancient 
fortress  used  as  a  State  prison,  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  city ; 
6.  The  Tunnel,  an  arched  and  walled  passage  under  the 
river  Thames.  Besides  these  are  the  Royal  Exchange, 
Lloyd's  Coffee  House,  the  centre  of  the  English  commercial 
world  ;  the  Bank,  and  the  Mint. 

CHELSEA,  with  the  great  national  asylum  for  invalid  soldiers,  and  36,000 
inhabitants. 
KENSINGTON,  with  a  royal  palace,  and  24,000  inhabitants. 

2.  BERKSHIRE. 

READING,  with  20,000  inhabitants. 

WINDSOB,  22  miles  from  London,  celebrated  for  its  castle,  the  favorite 
residence  of  the  British  sovereigns. 

3.  BUCKS  OR  BUCKINGHAMSHIRE. 

ETON,  in  the  vicinity  of  which  the  renowned  astronomer,  Hershel,  had  his 
observatory. 

5.  KENT. 

CANTERBURY,  the  ecclesiastical  metropolis  of  England,  with 
a  remarkable  cathedral,  and  15,000  inhabitants. 

GREENWICH,  on  the  Thames,  is  noted  for  its  marine  hos- 
pital and  royal  observatory,  from  which  longitude  is  computed. 
Population  75,000. 

DOVER,  on  the  strait  of  the  same  name,  is  the  principal 
port  of  embarcation  for  France.  Population  25,000. 


268  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND-BOOK. 

MAIDSTONE,   with  33,000  inhabitants;    DEPTFOKD,  20,000:    WOOLWICH, 
18,000  ;  and  CHATHAM,  18,000. 

G.  SUSSEX. 

BRIGHTON,  the  favorite  residence  of  George  IV.,  has  50,000 
inhabitants  $  and  superior  arrangements  for  sea  bathing. 

7.  ESSEX. 

COLCHESTER,  a  maritime  town  noted  for  its  oysters.  Popu- 
lation 20,000. 

HARWICH,  on  the  North  sea,  with  18,000  inhabitants, 

8.  SUFFOLK. 

IPSWICH,  near  the  mouth  of  ^the  Orwell,  has  22,000  inhabitants. 

9.  NORFOLK. 

NORWICH,  a  very  handsome  city,  noted  for  its  ancient 
cathedral  and  its  manufacture  of  woolen  goods.  Popula- 
tion 62,000. 

YARMOUTH^  noted  for  its  herring  fishery.     Pdpulation  24,000. 

10.  CAMBRIDGESHIRE. 

CAMBRIDGE,  is  celebrated  for  its  university,  and  contains 
25,000  inhabitants. 
NEWMARKET,  noted  for  horse  races. 

11.  HUNTINGDONSHIRE. 

HUNTINGDON,  noted  as  the  birth  place  of  Oliver  Cromwell. 
12.  LINCOLNSHIRE. 

LINCOLN,  celebrated  for  its  ancient  cathedral.  Population 
37,000. 

BOSTON,  contains  the  largest  church  without  aisles  in  the 
kingdom.  Population  35,000. 

WOOLSTHORPE,  is  the  birthplace  of  Sir  Isaac  Newton. 
14.  OXFORDSHIRE. 

OXFORD,  on  the  Thames,  is  celebrated  for  its  university, 
one  of  the  oldest  in  Europe,  said  to  have  been  founded  by 
Alfred  the  Great  The  university  library  numbers  650,000 
volumes.  Population  22,000. 

16.  HANTS  OR  HAMPSHIRE. 

WINCHESTER,  65  miles  from  London,  was  the  capital  of  England  during 
the  middle  ages. 

PORTSMOUTH,  is  the  chief  naval  station  of  the  United  King- 


EUROPE. 


269 


dom,  and  one  of  the  best  fortified  cities  in  Europe.  Its  har- 
bor is  defended  by  three  forts,  and  is  sufficiently  capacious  to 
accommodate  1000  vessels  of  war.  Population  64,000. 

Southampton  carries  on  a  considerable  trade  with  the  Nor- 
man Isles.  Population  28,000. 

18.  DEVONSHIRE. 

EXETEB,  42  miles  from  Plymouth,  has  a  magnificent  Cathedral  and  32,000 
inhabitants. 

PLYMOUTH,  on  the  English  channel,  is  one  of  the  great  na- 
val stations,  and  has  a  famous  breakwater  which  cost  over 
$5,000,000.  Population.  76,000. 

19.  CORNWALL. 

The  county  of  Cornwall  forms  a  duchy,  and  the  first  born  royal  prince  as- 
sumes the  title  of  duke  of  Cornwall. 

21.   SOMERSETSHIRE. 

BRISTOL,  the  third  commercial  city  of  England,  has  a 
splendid  exchange,  important  glass  works,  sugar  refineries, 
and  120,000  inhabitants. 

BATH,  in  a  delightful  valley,  is  noted  for  its  warm  baths, 
Population  70,000. 

TAUHTON  with  34,000  inhabitants,  and  Froome  with  25,000,  are  noted  for 
their  woolen  manufactures. 

22.  GLOUCESTERSHIRE. 

CHELTENHAM,  with  celebrated  mineral  springs  and  41,000 
inhabitants. 

GLOUCESTER,  with  manufactures  of  pins,  and  a  remarkable 
ancient  cathedral  which  contains  the  remains  of  Edward  II. 
Population  27,000. 

24.  HEREFORDSHIRE. 

HEREFORD,  42  miles  distant  from  Bristol,  has  considerable 
trade  and  35,000  inhabitants. 

25.  WORCESTERSHIRE. 

WORCESTER  noted  for  its  porcelain,  and  a  superb  cathedral.  Popula- 
tion 28,000. 

KIDDERMINSTER,  a  great  manufacturing  town  with  30,OOC  inhabitants. 

25.  WARWICKSHIRE. 

COVENTRY,  a  manufacturing  town  noted  for  its  ribbons  and 
watches,  with  32,000  inhabitants. 

STRATFORD,  on  the  Avon,  famous  as  the  birth  place  of  Shakspeare. 
KENILWOKTU,   noted  for  the  ruins  of  its  renowned  castle  of  the  same 


2TO  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

BIRMINGHAM,  situated  near  the  centre  of  England,  is  the 
seat  of  hard  ware  manufacture  of  every  description  and  of  or- 
namental metal  work.  This  city  has  been  called  "  the  toy  shop 
of  Europe."  Population  240,000. 

27.  STAFFORDSHIRE. 

WOLVERHAMPTON,  noted  for  its  manufacture  of  hardware, 
with  a  remarkable  gothic  church,  and  50,000  inhabitants. 

BURSLEM,  famous  for  its  earthenware  manufacture. 
28.  NORTHAMPTONSHIRE. 

NORTHAMTON,  with  extensive  boot  and  shoe  manufac- 
tures, and  29,000  inhabitants. 

PETERBOROUGH,  contains  a  remarkable  cathedral,  in  which  Mary  Queen 
of  Scots  lies  buried.  • 

30.  LEICESTERSHIRE. 

LEICESTER,  37  miles  north-east  of  Birmingham,  has  great 
stocking  manufactures,  and  51,000  inhabitants. 

LUTTERWORTH,  the  birth-place  of  Wickliffe. 
32.  CHESHIRE. 

CHESTER,  noted  for  its  cheese,  has  a  remarkable  cathedral,  and  23,000  in- 
habitants. 

STOCKPORT,  an  extensive  cotton  manufacturing  town,  has 
86,000  inhabitants. 

MACCLESFIELD,  noted  for  its  silks.     Population  25,000. 

33.  NOTTINGHAMSHIRE. 

NOTTINGHAM,  is  famous  for  its  stockings  and  ale,  and  con- 
tains 54,000  inhabitants. 

34.  DERBYSHIRE. 

DERBY,  has  numerous  kinds  of  manufactures,  and  36,000  inhabitants. 

35.  LANCASHIRE. 

LIVERPOOL,  the  second  commercial  city  of  England,  situa- 
ted near  the  mouth  of  the  Mersey,  is  the  great  seat  of  com- 
merce with  America  and  Ireland.  This  city  contains  the, 
most  costly  docks  in  the  world.  Population  500,000. 

MANCHESTER,  situated  on  the  Irwell,  30  miles  distant  from 
Liverpool,  is  the  great  centre  of  the  British  cotton  manufac- 
ture, and  contains  310,000  inhabitants. 

The  remaining  towns  are  Blackburn,  with  75,000  inhabitants;  Bolton  with 
98,000,  Oldham  with  68,000,  Rochdale  with  60,000,  Wigan  with  66,000r 
Bury  with  78,000,  Preston  with  77,000,  Warrington  with  32,000,  and  Aston 
under  Line  with  131,000,  are  all  noted  for  their  cotton  manufactures. 


EUROPE.  2T1 

86.   YORKSHIRE. 

YORK  ranks  as  the  second  city  of  the  kingdom,  being  the 
residence  of  the  Archbishop.  In  the  vicinity  is  the  curious 
dropping  fountain  of  Knaresborough.  Population  36,000. 

HULL  is  famous  for  its  whale  fishery  and  trade  to  the  Bal- 
tic, and  contains  50,000  inhabitants. 

LEEDS,  the  seat  of  the  woolen  manufactures,  and  the  great- 
est cloth  market  in  the  kingdom.  Population  175,000. 

HUDDERSFIELD  and  HALIFAX, each  containing  about  1 10,000 
inhabitants,  are  noted  seats  of  the  cloth  manufacture. 

WAKEFIELD  has  important  cloth  manufactures,  and  corn  and  cattle  fairs. 
Population  50,000. 

SHEFFIELD,  long  famous  for  its  manufactures  of  cutlery 
and  plated  goods,  with  85,000  inhabitants. 

38.  DURHAMSHIRE. 

DURHAM,  with  a  remarkable  cathedral,  manufactures  of 
carpeting,  and  39,000  inhabitants. 

SuNDERLANDandWEARjiouTii  on  opposite  sidesV)f  the  river  Wear,  and  united 
by  a  bridge,  are  greatly  engaged  in  the  coal  trade.  These  two  towns  have 
an  aggregate  population  of  58,000. 

38.  NORTHUMBERLAND. 

NEWCASTLE,  noted  for  its  coal  mines,  various  manufactures, 
whale  fisheries,  with  72,000  inhabitants. 

SHIELDS,  with  great  coal  trade  and  30,000  inhabitants. 

39.  CUMBERLAND. 

CARLISLE,  with  a  remarkable  cathedral,  numerous  manu- 
factures, and  37,000  inhabitants. 

WHITEHAVEN,  a  maritime  town  largely  engaged  in  the  coal  trade.  Pop-? 
ulation  30,000. 

40.  WESTMORELAND. 

KENDAL,  with  extensive  manufactures  of  woolen  and  other 
goods.  Population  35,000. 

II.  THE  PRINCIPALITY  OF  WALES. 

WALES  is  quite  a  mountainous  country,  interspersed  with 
some  romantic  valleys.  The  soil  is  less  productive  and  not 
so  well  cultivated  as  in  England,  but  the  products  are  in  gen- 
eral the  same. 

COUNTIES. 

1.  Pembrokeshire,  3.  Glamorganshire,  £.  Radnorshire, 

2.  Caermarthenshire,     ^4,  Brecon,  6,  Cardiganshire, 


272  GEOGRAPHICAL    HAND    BOOK. 

7.  Montgomeryshire,         9.  Flintshire,  11.  Caernarvonshire, 

8.  Merionetshire,  10.  Denbighshire,  12.  Anglesea. 

1    PEMBROKESHIRE. 

PEMBROKE,  with  the  ruins  of  an  ancient  castle,  reared  in  the 
beginning  of  the  llth  century. 

ST.  DAVIDS,  the  ecclesiastical  capital  of  South  Wales. 
3.  GLAMORGANSHIRE. 

MERTHYR  TYDVIL,  noted  for  its  iron  works  and  coal  pits, 
with  30,000  inhabitants. 

SWANSEA,  an  important  commercial  town,  noted  for  sea 
bathing,  has  40,000  inhabitants. 

The  islands  belonging  to  England  are  the  following: 

1.  MAN,  in  the  Irish  Sea,  with  45,000  inhabitants,  who  are 
principally  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  linen  and  cotton 
goods.     This  island  formerly  belonged  to  Denmark. 

2.  ANGLESEA,  which  is  noted  for  its  copper  mines,  with  a 
population  of   50,000.     It  lies    on   the  northwest   coast  of 
Wales,  with  which   it   is   united   by  a  gigantic  suspension 
bridge, 

3.  SCILLY  ISLES,  near  Cape  Landsend,  130  in  number,  only  6  of  which  are 
inhabited. 

4.  WIGHT,  in  the  English  Channel,  opposite  Portsmouth. 
It  is  very  fertile,  and  noted  for  its  romantic  scenery. 

5.  THE  NORMAN  ISLANDS,  near  the  French  coast.  These  constitute  the 
remnant  of  the  former  great  possessions  of  the  English  in  France.  They 
are  called  Guernsey,  Jersey,  Alderney  and  Sark. 


SCOTLAND. 

Area  31,000  square  miles. 

Scotland,  as  before  stated,  is  very  mountainous,  especially 
in  the  northern  part,  which  is  therefore  called  the  Highlands, 
and  the  inhabitants  of  this  part  of  Scotland  named  from  the 
country,  the  Highlanders  are  of  a  different  race  from  the  re- 
mainder of  the  Scotch.  The  Grampian  Hills  form  the  di- 
vision between  the  Highlands  and  the  Lowlands.  The  former 
are  better  adapted  to  the  raising  of  cattle  than  agriculture, 
and  the  latter  are  more  level  arid  yield  wheat,  oats,  barley, 
rye,  flax  and  potatoes. 


EUROPE.  2Y3 

Scotland  contains  32  counties. 

1.  Mid  Lothian.  12.  Lanarkshire.  23.  Banffshire. 

2.  West  Lothian.  13.  Renfrewshire.  24.  Elginshire. 

3.  East  Lothian.  14.  Stirlingshire.  25.  Nairnshire. 

4.  Berwickshire.  15.  Dumbartonshire.  26.  ^Perthshire. 

5.  Roxburghshire.  16.  Clakmannanshire.  27-  *Invernessshire. 

6.  Selkirkshire.  '17.  Fifeshire.  28.  *Argyleshire. 

7.  Peebleshire.  18.  Kinrossshire.  29.  *Cromarthy. 

8.  Dumfriesshire.  19.  Buteshire.  30.  *Ross. 

9.  East  Galloway.  20.  Forfaxshire.  31.  *Sutherland. 

10.  West  Galloway.          21.  Kincardine.  32.  ^Caithness. 

11.  Ayrshire.  22.  Aberdeenshire. 

1.  MID  LOTHIAN  OR  EDINBURG  SHIRE. 

EDINBURGH,  the  capital  of  Scotland,  has  a  celebrated  and  flour- 
ishing university, many  manufactures  and  200,000  inhabitants. 
It  consists  of  2  parts,  the  Old  Town  and  the  New  Town;  the 
former  having  houses  meanly  built  with  narrow  streets,  and 
the  latter  on  the  contrary  regular  and  beautiful.  Upon  the 
top  of  the  rock,  on  the  side  of  which  the  Old  Town  is  built, 
stands  Holyrood  Castle,  the  ancient  residence  of  the  Scottish 
kings.  The  other  most  noted  edifice  in  this  city,  is  Edinburgh 
Castle,  which  is  also  conspicuous  in  Scottish  history.  The 
trade  of  Edinburgh  is  considerable  and  is  carried  on  through 
the  harbor  of  Leith,  two  miles  distant,  but  united  to  the  city 
by  continuous  rows  of  houses. 

2.  WEST  LOTHIAN. 

LINLITHGOW,  with  an  ancient  royal  palace  where  Mary  Stuart  was  born, 
1542. 

3.  EAST  LOTHIAN. 

DUNBAR,  noted  for  the  victory  obtained  by  Cromwell  in 
1650,  over  the  Scottish  army. 

4.  BERWICKSHIRE. 

DUNSE,  noted  for  its  cattle  fairs.  The  renowned  mediaeval  scholar,  Dans 
Scotus,  was  born  here  in  1274. 

8.  DUMFRIESSHIRE. 
DUMFRIES,  has  great  cattle  fairs  and  15,000  inhabitants. 

11.  AYRSHIRE.    ' 
KILMARNOCK,  famous  for  its  carpets,  with  18,000  inhabitants. 

*  The  counties  designated  by  a  star  (*)  compose  that  part  of  Scotland 
known  under  the  name  of  the  Highland*. 

M* 


2T4  GEOGRAPHICAL    HAND    BOOK. 

12.  LANARKSHIRE. 

GLASGOW,  on  the  Clyde,  is  as  regards  population,  manufac- 
tures and  commerce,  the  first  city  of  Scotland,  and  is  noted 
for  fine  cotton  goods.  It  contains  an  ancient  cathedral,  the 
best  preserved  specimen  of  gothic  architecture  in  Scot- 
land. Population  280,000. 

At  some  distance  from  Glasgow,  the  Clyde  forms  several  magnificent  cas- 
cades. 

13.  RENFREWSHIRE. 

PAISLEY  is  a  great  manufacturing  town,  with  60,000  in- 
habitants. It  is  noted  for  its  linen,  silk,  and  muslin  manu- 
factures, and  for  the  intelligence  of  the  operatives. 

GREENOCK,  near  the  mouth  of  the  Clyde,  is  the  principal 
seaport  upon  the  west  coast,  with  36,000  inhabitants. 

14.  STIRLINGSHIRE. 

STIRLING,  noted  for  its  ancient  castle,  once  one  of  the  great 
bulwarks  of  the  kingdom. 

FALKIRK,  with  noted  cattle  fairs.     Population  15,000. 
17.  FIFESH1RE. 

ST.  ANDREWS,  with  a  university,  and  linen  manufactures. 
This  was,  prior  to  the  reformation,  the  eclesiastical  metro- 
polis of  Scotland. 

DUNFERMLINE  has  extensive  manufactures  of  linen  and 
cotton  goods.  Population  20,000. 

20.  FORFAXSHIRF. 

DUNDEE,  with  manufactures  of  sail-cloth  and  coarse  linen, 
and  64,000  inhabitants.  It  is  one  of  the  principal  seaports 
,of  Scotland. 

MONTROSE,  is  also  a  seaport,  with  various  manufactures,  Population 
14,000. 

22.  ABERDEENSHIRE. 

ABERDEEN,  consists  of  Old  Aberdeen  and  New  Aberdeen, 
distant  from  each  other  about  one  mile.  The  former  is 
small,  old,  ugly  and  miserable;  the  latter,  on  the  contrary, 
large,  new,  beautiful  and  opulent.  It  has  a  university  and 
70;000  inhabitants. 

26.  PERTHSHIRE. 

PERTH,  pn  the  Tay,  with   extensive  linen  and  cotton  man 
ufactures.     It  is  noted  for  its  schools.     Population  22,000. 


EUROPE.  2T5 

27.  IVERNESS-SH1RE. 

INVERNESS,  considered  the  Highland  capital,  is  noted  for 
the  inteligence  of  its  citizens,  and  for  its  manufactures  of 
tartans,  linen  and  cotton  goods.  Population  20,000. 

The  islands  belonging  to  Scotland  are: 

1.  The  Hebrides,    or    Western    Islands,  which    number 
about  300,  only  40  of  which  are  inhabited,  and  these  contain 
90,000  inhabitants.     Rearing  of  cattle  and  fishing  are  the 
chief  pursuits  of  the  inhabitants.     Lewis,  the  largest  of  these 
islands  has  a  population,  of  30,000,  who  are  expert  seamen. 
Skye,  near    the  same    size,   comprizes    20,000    inhabitants. 
Staffa,  near  the  isle  of  Mull,  is  smalTand   uninhabited,  but 
noted  for  the  celebrated  cave  Jof  Fingal  (hole  of  melody.) 
This  name  takes  its  rise  from  the   fact  that  the   moisture  in 
the  interior  of  this   cave  dropping  down  from  the  rocks,  pro- 
duces such  harmonious  tones  that  the  traveller  visiting  this 
grotto  suddenly  finds  himself  captivated  by  the  most  en- 
chanting music. 

2.  The  Orkney  Islands.  These  are  67  in  number,  of  which 
29  are  inhabited,  and  the  population  amounts  to  40,000,  who 
are  engaged  principally  in  the  manufacture  of  woolen  goods 
and  stockings. 

These  islands  belonged  once  to  Denmark,  but  when  Christian  I.  could  not 
afford  to  give  his  daughter  Margaret,  who  was  married  to  a  Scottish  prince, 
the  whole  bridal  gift,  these  islands  were  mortgaged  for  the  balance,  and  Eng- 
land was  never  afterwards  willing  to  part  with  them. 

The  largest  ot  these  is  called  Pomona,  whose  capital  is 
KirkwalL 

3.  The  Shetland  Islands,  which    number   86,   of  which 
.quantity    only   40    are   inhabited,   contain   a  population  of 
30,000.     They  produce  sheep  of  a  very  fine  wool,  and  small 
hoises,  and  abound  in  wild  fowls  and  fish,  especially  herring, 
which  are  caught  here  in  great  abundance. 

The  largest  of  these  islands  is  called  MAINLAND,  with  the  seaport  of  Ler- 
,  where  the  English  and  Dutch  fishing  boats  assemble. 


IRELAND. 

Area  28,000  square  miles. 

The  surface  of  Ireland  is  greatly  diversified ;  it  is,  however. 


276  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND   BOOK. 

rather  level  than  mountainous.  Much  of  its  soil  is  composed 
of  meadow  land,  and  therefore  it  grows  cattle  in  vast  num- 
bers. Potatoes  are  extensively  cultivated,  and  these  form  the 
principal  food  of  the  poor. 

IRELAND  is  divided  into  the  following  four  provinces : 
Leinster,  Ulster,  Connaught  and  Minister. 

I.  LEINSTER  (in  the  South  East.) 

DUBLIN,  the  capital, situated  on  the  Irish  Sea,  is  next  to  Lon- 
don, the  most  important  city  in  the  whole  British  Kingdom, 
with  350,000  inhabitants.  It  is  the  emporium  of  the  Irish 
€  *ade,andhas  a  Castle  and  a  University  called  Trinity  College, 
and  a  Bank.  It  contains  many  manufactures  of  linen,  silk 
and  cotton  goods,  and  its  commerce  is  extensive. 

KILKENNY,  with  the  stately  castle  of  the  Earl  of  Ormond,  and  one  of  the 
finest  Cathedrals  in  Ireland.  This  town  is  noted  for  its  beautiful  white 
and  black  marble.  Population  30,000. 

CARLOW,  with  a  remarkable  ancient  abbey  and  10,000  inhabitants. 

DROGHEDA,  at  the  mouth  of  the  river  Boyne,  has  consider- 
able commerce  and  22,000  inhabitants.  In  1649  it  was; 
stormed  by  Cromwell, audits  garrison  put  to  the  sword;  and 
four  miles  distant  from  this  place  the  famous  "Battle  of  the 
Boyne  "  was  fought,  July  1st,  1690. 

II.  ULSTER,  (the  Northern  part.) 

BELFAST,  the  seat  of  commerce  for  Northern  Ireland,  is 
situated  92  miles  north  of  Dublin,  with  100,000  inhabitants. 
It  is  the  centre  of  the  Irish  linen  trade. 

LONDONDERRY,  a  seaport  at  the  mouth  of  the  Foyle,  is  a 
strongly  fortified  city,  carrying  on  an  important  trade  with 
America  and  the  West  Indies.  It  is  famous  for  the  success- 
ful siege  it  withstood  in  1689,  against  the  forces  of  James  IL 
Population  20,000. 

ARMAGH,  the  ecclesiastical  metropolis  of  Ireland,  has  a  considerable  linen 
trade  and  10,000  inhabitants. 

DOWNPATRICK,  the  burial  place  of  St.  Patrick,  the  patron  Saint  of  Ireland. 

NBWRY,  a  maritime  town  with  16,000  inhabitants. 

III.  CONNAUGHT  (the  middle  part  of  Western  Ireland.) 

GALWAY,  on  the  bay  of  this  name,  carries  on  a  brisk  trade, 
and  is  a  favorite  bathing  place  for  the  gentry.  Population 
36,000. 

SLIGO,  an  important  seaport,  on  the  bay  so  called,  with  15,QOO  jnhajbjtants. 
TUAM,  the  seat  of  an  Anglican  Archbishop. 

j  noted,  for  the  greatest  cattle  fairs  in  Ireland, 


EUROPE.  277 

IV.  MUNSTER,  (the southern  part.)' 

CORK,  the  third  Irish  city  in  population,  is  the  commercial 
metropolis  of  the  south  of  Ireland,  and  the  chief  mart  of  the 
provision  trade,  with  90,000  inhabitants.  Its  harbor,  called 
the  Cove,  is  one  of  the  best  in  the  world,  and  is  strongly  fortified. 

WATERFORD,  a  seaport,  and  considerable  trading  town, 
with  30,000  inhabitants.  Its  fisheries,  especially  those  of  her- 
ring are  important. 

CLONMEL,  is  the  centre  of  the  Irish  butter  trade,  with  18,000  inhabitants. 

LIMERICK,  a  large  city  on  the  Shannon,  has  an  extensive 
commerce,  and  70,000  inhabitants.  It  is  extensively  engag- 
ed in  the  provision  trade,  and  was  formerly  regarded  as  the 
strongest  fortress  in  Ireland.  It  is  celebrated  for  its  firm 
stand  in  the  cause  of  the  Catholics,  but  capitulated  to  the 
army  of  William  III.  in  1691. 

KILLARXEY,  is  greatly  visited  for  the  romantic  beauty  of  the  adjacent  lake 
and  its  surrounding  scenery. 

The  British  possessions  and  colonies  are  the  following  : 

1.  In  Europe — the  isle  of  Heligoland,  the  fortress  of  Gibraltar,  and  the 
isle  of  Malta.     The  Ionian  isles  are  under  British  protection. 

2.  In  Africa — the  settlements  in  Senegambia  and  Guinea,  the  islands  of 
Mauritius,  St.  Helena,  Cape  Colony,  etc. 

3.  In  Asia — the  great  possessions  of  Hindostan  and  Ceylon ;  Aden,  on  the 
Arabian  coast,  Singapoor,  Hong  Kong,  and  some  provinces  in  Farther  India. 

4.  In  America — possessions  in  both  North  and  South   America,  and  also 
in  the  West  Indies. 

5.  In  Oceanica — the   continent  of  Australia,  Van   Dieman'a  Land,  New 
Zealand  and  Norfolk  island. 

It  is  estimated  that  these  possessions  and  colonies  contain  131,000,000  in- 
habitants. 


DENMARK. 

Area  50,000  square  miles  (Iceland  and  the  Faroe  isles  in- 
cluded.) Population  2,000,000. 

Denmark,  Norway  and  Sweden,  were  originally  called 
Scandinavia,  and  the  inhabitants  of  these  countries,  upon  the 
decline  of  the  Roman  Empire,  were  known  by  the  general  name 
of  Normans.  These  three  countries  were  separate  kingdoms, 
under  the  government  of  their  own  rulers,  until  Margaret, 
styled  the  Semiramis  of  the  North,  in  1397,  united  the  three 
crowns  in  her  own  person,  and  this  union  lasted  until  1523, 
when  Gustavus  Vasa  established  the  independence  of  Swe- 
fien.  The  most  remarkable  event  in  the  jate  history  of  Den- 


278  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND   BOOK. 

mark,  was  the  attempt  of  the  Duchies  of  Sleswick  and  Hoi- 
stein  in  1848,  to  establish  their  independence  of  the  Danish 
crown. 

Denmark  proper  is  a  small  kingdom.  It  comprises  the 
peninsula  of  Jutland,  lying  between  the  North  Sea  and  the 
Cattegat;  and  the  islands  of  Zealand,  Funen,  Laaland,  Fals- 
ter,  Langeland,  Alsen,  Bornholm  and  Femern,  at  the  entrance 
of  the  Baltic;  and  Samsoe  in  the  Cattegat, besides  some  other 
smaller  ones.  To  Denmark  belong  the  Faroe  Isles  and  Ice- 
land, and  likewise  the  three  Duchies  of  Sleswick,  Holstein 
and  Lauenburg. 

Surface,  S?c. — Denmark  has,  properly  speaking,  no  moun- 
tains, the  appearance  oi  the  country  being  low  and  flat,  except 
the  eastern  part,  which  is  somewhat  hilly  or  rather  undula- 
ting. From  the  north  a  barren  ridge  runs  through  the  penin- 
sula, and  through  Sleswick  and  Holstein,  by  the  name  of  the 
Jlllheath,  and  continues  through  Hanover  in  Germany.  The 
highest  summit  of  this  ridge,  called  Himmelberget,  attains 
only  to  a  height  of  550  feet  The  soil  is  in  general  fertile. 

Rivers. — The  Lymfiord,  in  Jutland,  is  navigable  by  steamers 
and  other  vessels  for  the  distance  of  80  miles. 

The  Eider,  105  miles  long,  between  Sleswick  and  Holstein, 
empties  into  the  North  Sea. 

THE  ELBE,  forms  part  of  the  southern  boundary  between 
Denmark  and  Germany.  The  Guden,  in  Jutland,  is  navi^ 
gable  by  large  canal  boats,  and  is  of  great  importance  for  in- 
land commerce.  The  Trave,  and  Stor,  in  Holstein,  and 
some  others,  are  small  streams,  more  properly  called  rivulets. 

Straits. — There  are  three  noted  straits:  1.  The  Earsound, 
between  Sweden  and  the  Island  of  Zealand,  which  vessels 
usually  pass  going  into  or  from  the  Baltic;  2.  The  Great 
Belt,  between  the  Islands  of  Zealand,  and  Funen ;  3.  The 
Little  Belt,  between  Funen  and  Jutland  and  Sleswick. 

Climate. — The  air  is  somewhat  moist  and  foggy,  yet  net 
so  much  so  as  in  Holland  and  England.  The  temperature, 
is  more  moderate  than  its  latitude  would  indicate.  The 
winter  is  sometimes  very  severe,  yet  not  so  much  so  as  in 
Sweden  and  Norway,  and  the  proximity  of  the  sea  somer 
what  moderates  the  inclemency  of  the  climate.  The  air  is 
in  general  salubrious. 

Products. — Wheat,  rye,  barley  and  oats,  are  produced  in 
such  abundance  as  to  supply  Norway,  and  frequently  to  ex- 


EUROPE.  279 

port  to  other  countries  in  considerable  quantities.  Hops  are 
cultivated  in  Funen,  and  tobacco  in  some  parts  of  Jutland. 
The  horses,  especially  those  of  the  Holstein  breed,  are  large 
and  fine.  The  horned  cattle  are  also  large  and  numerous. 

Manufactures. — The  most  extensive  manufactures  are 
those  of  leather,  calicoes,  cotton,  and  worsted  stockings.  The 
Danes  also  manufacture  woolen  and  linen  cloths,  likewise 
all  sorts  of  silks,  chiefly  ribbands,  laces,  earthen  and  china 
ware,  paper,  muskets,  and  gunpowder. 

Commerce. — Denmark  has  an  extensive  coast,  affording 
uncommon  conveniences  for  trade.  Her  principal  exports 
are,  grain  to  Norway  and  other  countries,  horses  to  Germany 
Sweden,  France,  and  Prussia,  and  oxen  to  Holland  and 
Germany.  The  imports  are  chiefly  wine,  brandy,  oil,  tobac- 
co, salt,  sugar,  spices,  silk  and  woolen  cloths.  Railroads 
facilitate  her  commercial  transactions. 

Education. — Science,  the  arts,  and  literature,  flourish  to  a 
considerable  degree,  and  are  richly  patronised  by  the  govern- 
ment. There  are  t\vo  universities  in  Copenhagen  and  Kiel, 
both  of  which  rank  high,  especially  the  former,  and  Den- 
mark can  in  proportion  to  its  size,  boast  of  as  great  advance- 
ment in  literature  as  any  country  in  Europe. 

Inhabitants. — The  Danes  are  an  intelligent,  brave  and  in- 
dustrious people.  Their  complexion  is  chiefly  light ;  they 
are  in  general  tall  and  well  built  and  their  features  regular. 
They  are  religious  without  being  bigoted,  and  their  morals 
upon  the  whole  tolerably  pure.  The  predominant  vices  of 
the  lower  classes  are  gluttony  and  an  excessive  fondness  for 
strong  liquors;  that  of  the  higher  orders,  the  love  of  show 
and  pleasure.  All  ranks  are  equally  attentive  to  strangers. 
Hospitality  and  affability  characterize  all  classes. 

Government. — Denmark  was  in  ancient  times  an  heredita- 
ry elective  monarchy.  In  1660  she  became  an  absolute  one, 
bin  in  1849  was  formed  into  an  hereditary  constitutional 
monarchy,  the  Diet  having  its  sessions  in  Copenhagen.  The 
king  of  Denmark  is,  on  account  of  his  being  Duke  of  Hoi-, 
stein  and  Lauenberg,  since  the  Congress  of  Vienna,in  1815, a 
member  of  the  German  Confederacy. 

COPENHAGEN,  (Kjobenhavn)  the  capital,  is  situated  on  the 
islands  of  Zealand  and  Amack,  on  the  banks  of  the  Baltic. 
She  is  one  of  the  most  handsome  cities  of  Europe,  and  udl 
fortified  by  citacjels  and  batteries.  She  has  a  university,  19 


280  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

churches,  excellent  hospitals  and  numerous  splendid  palaces, 
amongst  which  is  specially  noteworthy,  that  of  Christiansborg 
adorned  by  the  gallery  of  paintings  and  by  the  royal  library, 
one  of  the  largest  in  Europe,  containing  500,000  volumes. 
The  church  of  Our  Lady  is  embellished  by  marble  statues 
of  the  12  Apostles,  sculptured  by  the  immortal  Thorwaldsen. 
The  Round  Tower,  a  remarkable  kind  of  structure,  is  used 
as  an  observatory.  The  learned  institutions  of  this  city  are 
numerous,  and  literary  attainments  held  in  high  esteem.  It 
was  beleagured  in  1659,  and  on  the  2d  of  April,  1801,  the 
memorable  battle  of  the  Baltic  took  place.  A  small  island 
called  A  mack  joined  to  Copenhagen  by  a  bridge,  is  inhabited 
by  the  descendants  of  a  colony  from  Holland,  called  in  by 
Christian  the  Second,  the  tyrant,  to  promote  horticulture. 
They  enjoy  some  particular  privileges  and  retain  the  ancient 
dress  of  their  progenitors.  Population  150,000. 

ELSINORE,  (HELSINGOR,N  situated  on  the  sound  which  com- 
mands the  passage  between  the  Cattegat  and  the  Baltic.  It 
is  defended  by  the  strong  fortress  of  Kronborg,  now  used 
principally  as  a  prison.  This  fortress  failed  to  prevent  the 
passage  of  the  English  fleet  under  Sir  Hyde  Parker  and  Lord 
Nelson  through  the  sound  in  1801,  after  which  followed  the 
battle  of  the  Baltic.  Here  the  sound  dues  were  formerly  paid 
by  all  vessels  passing  through,  till  finally  abolished  in  1857. 
Population  10,000.  In  the  vicinity  of  Elsinore,  the  tomb  of 
Hamlet,  the  Prince  of  Denmark,  immortalized  by  Shakspeare 
is  shown,  but  in  all  probability  erroneously. 

KOESKILDE,  with  an  ancient  cathedral  containing  a  costly  mausoleum  <.f 
the  Danish  Royal  Family. 

SOROB,  in  the  middle  of  Zealand,  has  a  celebrated  and  eminently  rich 
academy,  formerly  exclusively  for  the  sons  of  the  nobility.  In  the  Middle 
Ages,  even  foreign  princes  resorted  to  this  place  for  completing  their  studies 
in  the  classics. 

ODENSEE,  the  capital  of  the  island  of  Funen,  has  a  latin  (college)  school, 
a  royal  palace,  and  10,000  inhabitants. 

NAKSKOP,  on  the  island  of  Laaland,  is  remarkable  for  the  bravery  of  its 
citizens  in  1658,  when  the  town  watf  for  thirteen  weeks  besieged  by  Carl 
Gustayus  the  10th,  of  Sweden. 

The  peninsula  of  Jutland  is  divided  into  four  dioceses-, 
each  having  its  bishop,  governor  and  latin  school.  Here 
must  be  remarked  the  fortified  town  of  Fredericia,  where  the 
Danes  won  the  brilliant  victory,  6th;  July,  1849,  oyer  tha 
rebellious  Sleswick  Holsteiners. 


EUROPE.  i-81 

THE    DUCHY   OF  SLESWICK, 

Is  an  inseparable  part  of  the  Danish  body,  although  the 
German  Confederacy  disputes  the  king  of  Denmark's  right 
to  it,  which  dispute  occasioned  the  late  rebellion  in  the 
Duchies. 

SLESWICK,  the  capital  of  the  Duchy,  is  a  large  and  handsome  city,  with 
manufactures  of  woolen  stuffs,  earthenware,  lace,  etc.  Population  14, Out). 

FLENSBURG,  a  large  seaport  and  mercantile  town,  with  20,- 
000  inhabitants,  located  on  an  inlet  of  the  Baltic.  It  contains 
a  mercantile  academy. 

THE  DUCHY  OF  HOLSTEIN, 

Of  which  the  King  of  Denmark  is  Duke,  is  since  1815  incor- 
porated into  the  German  Confederacy. 

KIEL,  a  beautiful  city  and  seaport,  built  on  the  banks  of  a 
large  bay  of  the  Baltic.  It  has  a  university  and  a  rapidly 
increasing  commerce.  Population  10,000.  Treaty  of  Kiel, 
1814,  by  which  Denmark  lost  Norway. 

KEXDSBURG  is  a  strongly  fortified  city  on  the  river  Eider,  with  extensive 
manufactures  and  10,000  inhabitants. 

ALTONA,  next  to  Copenhagen  the  largest  city  which  be- 
longs to  Denmark,  is  located  on  the  banks  of  the  Elbe,  two 
miles  below  the  free  city  of  Hamburg.  It  has  a  large  col- 
lege, seven  churches,  is  the  principal  residence  for  the 
merchant-princes  of  the  wealthy  Hamburg,  and  manufactures 
tobacco.  40,000  inhabitants. 

OTTENSEN,  a  small  village  in  the  vicinity  of  Altona,  is  celebrated  as  the 
burial  plage  of  the  German  poet  Klopstock, 

THE  DUCHY  OF    LAUENBERG. 

This  small  district  comprises  the  most  southern  part  of  Denmark,  and  lies 
upon  the  right  bank  of  the  Elbe,  between  Hamburg  and  Lubec.  When 
the  kingdom  of  Norway,  which  for  over  four  centuries  had  belonged  to 
Denmark,  was  by  the  treaty  of  Kiel  in  181  i,  taken  from  Denmark  and  an- 
nexed to  Sweden,  this  Duchy  was  given  to  Denmark  as  a  compensation.  It 
is  a  barren  tract  of  land,  with  the  city  of  Laueribcrg  as  the  capital. 

ICELAND. 

This  is  a  notable  island  in  the  Atlantic,  with  30,000 
square  miles  arid  about  60,000  inhabitants.  Great  his- 
torical researches  have  originated  from  here,  and  in  this  island 
the  old  Scandinavian  language  was  preserved  in  its  purity. 
The  island  is  a  Diocese  with  its  own  Bishop  and  Governor. 
Columbus,  the  great  discoverer  of  America,  visited  Iceland  in 


282  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

1477,  and  had  access  to  the  valuable  archives  of  the  island. 
Iceland  is  a  volcanic  island,  and  Mount  Hecla  has  numer- 
ous craters;  and  in  the  year  1766  emitted  flames  accompa- 
nied by  a  torrent  of  lava :  240  persons  lost  their  lives.  Here 
are  also  many  boiling  springs ;  one  of  these,  called  the  great 
Geyser,  makes  a  noise  like  the  roaring  of  a  waterfall;  and  the 
aperture  from  which  the  water  issues  is  19  feet  in  diameter. 
Through  this  aperture  the  water  spouts  up  to  the  height  of  90 
feet.  The  climate  of  Iceland  is  stormy,  but  the  cold  being 
mitigated  by  the  vapors  from  the  sea,  is  less  intense  than 
might  be  expected  from  its  situation.  Grain  cannot  be  much 
cultivated,  but  there  are  some  good  pastures  fo-r  sheep,  which 
are  numerous.  Wood  does  not  thrive,  and  very  few  trees  of 
any  kind  are  to  be  seen  on  the  island,  the  common  fuel  be- 
ing turf. 

REIKIAVIK  is  the  capital,  the  residence  of  the  Governor 
and  Bishop,  and  has  a  celebrated  college,  with  which  is  con- 
nected an  extensive  library  of  great  value  for  researches  into 
the  Northern  antiquities. 

THE  FAROE  ISLANDS,  located  in  the  Atlantic,  southeast  of 
Iceland,  are  a  group  of  small  islands  all  belonging  to  the  di- 
ocese of  Zealand.  They  have  the  appearance  of  mountains 
or  hills  boldly  emerging  from  the  se'a.  About  17  are  habita- 
ble. The  rocky  cliffs  are  the  resort  of  great  flocks  of  sea 
fowls,  which  tempt  the  inhabitants  to  extraordinary  exertions 
for  the  sake  of  their  eggs  and  feathers.  The  delicate  Eider- 
down, produced  from  what  is  called  the  Eider-duck,  is  one  of 
the  most  valuable  articles  of  these  islands,  and  now  largely 
exported  to  New  York. 

The  foreign  possessions  of  Denmark  'are : 

1.  In  America— Greenland,  and  the  West  India  Islands  of  St.  Thomas, 
Santa  Cruz,  and  St.  Johns. 

2.  In  Asia — the  Nicobar  Islands,  in  the  bay  of  Bengal,  but  which  have 
been'abandoned  by  the  Danes  on  account  of  their  sterility. 

The  possessions  which  the  Danes  had  in  Africa,  on  the  coast  of  Guinea, 
have  recently  been  sold  to  England. 


NORWAY. 

Area  123,000  square  miles.     Population  1,350,000. 
Norway  was  for  several  centuries  united  to  the  Kingdom 


EUROPE.  283 

of  Denmark,  but  by  the  treaty  of  Kiel  in  1814,  was  annexed 
to  Sweden.  She  was  the  booty  offered  by  the  allies,  which 
induced  Sweden  to  participate  in  the  war  against  Napoleon, 
and  upon  his  downfall,  much  to  the  regret  of  the  inhabitants, 
Norway  passed  under  the  power  of  Sweden  and  a 
foreign  potentate,  and  has  so  remained.  Each  of  the  King- 
doms of  Sweden  and  Norway,  however,  has  its  own  separate 
constitution. 

Norway  is  one  of  the  most  northern  countries  of  Europe, 
comprising  the  western  half  of  the  Scandinavian  peninsula, 
and  is  bounded  north  by  the  Arctic  ocean,  east  by  Russia 
and  Sweden,  south  by  the  North  Sea,  and  west  by  the  Atlantic, 

Surface,  $c. — Norway  has  many  mountains  running 
through  it, covered  with  eternal  snows;  and  these  mountains 
contain  beautiful  and  fantastic  glaciers;  also  many  rivers  run 
down  from  the  sides  of  these  mountains,  and  form  grand 
and  awful  cataracts.  No  country  has  more  magnificent  cat- 
aracts than  Norway.  The  Kiolen,  is  the  principal  chain  of 
mountains  between  Norway  and  Sweden,  and  this  chain 
divides  near  the  village  of  Roeraas,  into  two  branches,  name- 
ly: the  Seveberget,  which  continues  the  boundary,  and  into 
the  Doverfjeld,  Langefjeld,  and  Fillefjeld,  which  first  bend 
to  the  west,  and  afterwards  turn  in  a  northern  course  into 
Cape  Naze.  The  Langefjeld  contains  Goldohppigen,  the 
highest  peak  of  the  Scandinavian  peninsula. 

Rivers. — There  are  numerous  rivers  in  Norway,  but  none 
of  them  are  navigable  except  the  Glommen.  It  is  the  largest, 
and  is  remarkable  for  its  picturesque  scenery  and  numerous  cas- 
cades, the  grandest  of  which  is  the  famous  cataract  of  Sarpfoss. 

Lakes. — Lakes  are  numerous,  particularly  in  the  southern 
part ;  the  largest  and  most  remarkable  ot  which  is  Miosen, 
30  miles  long,  and  surrounded  by  a  brilliancy  of  scenery  se- 
cond to  none.  During  the  vernal  summer  and  autumnal 
season  steamers  fly  up  and  down  this  magnificent  lake. 

Climate. — The  air  is  pure  and  salubrious,  the  winters  long 
and  severe,  with  much  snow ;  the  summers  are  short,  but 
very  hot ;  only  along  the  coast  the  extremities  of  heat  and 
cold  ate  moderated  by  the  sea  vapors. 

Products. — Norway  yields  iron,  copper,  marble,  mast  timber, 
boards,  tar,  train-oil,  furs,  eider-down,  dried  and  salted  fish, 
codfish,  herring  and  salmon  ;  but  little  grain  is  grown.  The 
bear,  wolf,  lynx  and  marmot  are  found  here 


284  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND   BOOK. 

Manufactures. — The  manufactures  of  Norway  are  of  little 
importance,  embracing  principally  the  distillation  of  brandy 
and  the  sawing  of  timber;  also  some  forges  and  founderies  are 
established.  Cotton,  woolen  and  silk  goods  are  made  to  a 
small  extent,  but  only  for  home  consumption.  Ship  building 
is  activety  carried  on  in  the  ports. 

Education.- — A  system  of  education  is  established  in  Nor- 
way which  makes  it  imperative  upon  all  to  be  educated.  All 
children  are  obliged  to  attend  school  for  a  certain  number  of 
years,  and  those  destitute  of  an  education  are  placed  under 
peculiar  disabilities.  The  law  forbids  the  marriage  of  those 
unable  to  read,  and  so  general  is  education  diffused  through- 
out Norway  that  but  few  are  to  be  found  who  are  ignorant 
of  the  elementary  branches  of  an  education. 

Inhabitants. — The  Norwegians  are  generally  Lutherans ; 
all  creeds,  however,  are  tolerated,  except  Jews,  who  are  neither 
permitted  to  dwell  in  Norway  nor  to  pass  through  the  coun- 
try. The  written  language  of  Norway  is  entirely  the  same 
as  in  Denmark,  the  only  difference  being  in  the  intonation  of 
the  syllables.  The  Norwegians  are  known  as  excellent  mari- 
ners, and  are  active  and  brave,  and  zealously  patriotic.  The 
government  is  a  limited  hereditary  monarchy,  the  Storthings 
having  the  legislative  authority,  subject  only  to  a  qualified 
veto  of  the  king  of  Sweden.  Norway  and  Sweden  form  a 
united  kingdom. 

DIVISIONS. 

Norway  is  divided  into  five  Dioceses  : 

I.  CHRISTIANIA  OR  AQGERHUUS. 

CHRISTIANIA,  situated  on  Christiania  Fiord,  is  the  capital 
of  Norway,  built  by  Christian  IV.  of  Denmark  ;  the  place  of 
meeting  of  the  Storthings  and  the  residence  of  the  Viceroy. 
It  occupies  a  beautiful  and  picturesque  location,  and  has  a 
university,  the  only  one  in  Norway,  founded  in  1811  by  the 
king  of  Denmark,  Frederick  the  VI.,  and  therefore  in  Norway 
still  called  Frederick's  university.  It  has  a  considerable  trade 
in  iron,  glass,  and  timber,  and  contains  50,000  inhabitants. 

FREDERICKHALD,  has  a  considerable  trade  in  wood.     Near 
the  town  lies   the  fortress  of  Frederickstein,  where  Charles 
the  XII.  of  Sweden  was  killed,  in  1718.     A  large  stone  cross 
marks  the  spot. 
FREDERICKSTAD,  a  fortified  town  at  the  mouth  of  the  Storelv, 


EUROPE.  285 

KONGSBER&,  situated  in  a  vallay  between  high  rocks,  has 
the  most  important  silver  mines  in  the  kingdom,  a  mint  and 
a  royal  manufactory  of  arms. 

TONSBURO  is  esteemed  the  oldest  town  in  Norway.  The  neighboring 
ancient  castle  of  Jarlsberg  is  noted  in  history. 

LAUKVIG,  noted  for  its  large  iron  works  and  cannon  foundery. 
FREDERICKSVARN,  where  the  Norwegian  flotilla  lies. 

II.  CHRISTIANSAND. 

CHRISTIANSAND,  on  the  Skager  Rack,  defended  by  the  for- 
tress of  Christiansholm,  has  considerable  trade  and  ship 
building. 

STAVENGER,  an  old  town  With  a  beautiful  cathedral,  and  an  important 
herring  fishery; 

III.  BERGEN. 

BERGEN,  is  the  only  city  in  this  diocese,  with  a  large  trade, 
especially  in  fish.  It  has  a  celebrated  latin  school  and  was 
for  a  long  time  a  leading  member  of  the  Hanseatic  league* 
Population  30,000, 

IV.  DRONTHElM. 

DRONTHEIM,  an  old  city  founded  in  997,  by  01  uf  Trygvesen, 
the  apostle  of  Norway.  It  is  situated  on  a  bay  of  the  At- 
lantic, 250  miles  distant  from  the  capital,  and  has  a  brisk 
commerce  in  copper,  lumber  and  fish.  This  city  was  the 
residence  of  the  most  ancient  kings  of  Norway,  and  has  a 
remarkable  cathedral  of  white  marble  and  a  latin  school. 
In  the  month  of  August,  1685,  the  king  of  Denmark,  Chris- 
tian the  V.,  passed  a  few  days  in  this  city  and  supped  at 
midnight  without  candle  light,  the  twilight  being  sufficiently 
luminous.  Population  15,000. 

ROERAAS,  on  the  Swedish  border,  has  the  largest  copper  mines  in  the 
kingdom. 

V.  NORLAND  OR  FINMARK. 

In  this  diocese,  which  comprises  the  northern  part  of  Nor- 
way, there  are  no(large  towns,  but  only  trading  stations,  hav- 
ing civil  regulations.  The  inhabitants  are  occupied  in  the 
raising  of  reindeer  and  in  hunting  and  fishing.  On  the 
northwest  coast  of  Norway  lie  the  Loffoden  isles,  near  which 
is  the  famous  vortex  of  the  sea  called  the  Maelstrom,  forming 
a  whirlpool  of  vast  depth  and  extent ;  but  the  narratives  of 
its  drawing  ships  in  and  shattering  them  to  pieces  are  exagger- 
ated. At  all  events  it  is  a  natural  curiosity  worth  noticing 
and  worth  seeing. 


286  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 


SWEDEN. 

Area  170,000  square  miles.     Population  3,330,000. 

Sweden  was  united  with  Denmark  in  1397,  by  the  well 
known  union  of  Calmar,  which  was  broken,  1523,  after  the 
cruel  king  of  Denmark,  Christian  II.  (in  Sweden  still  called 
the  tyrant,)  had  perpetrated  the  slaughter  of  Stockholm.  From 
1523  until  1810,  Sweden  was  ruled  by  the  celebrated  house  of 
Vasa^  which  has  given  her  a  series  of  warlike  kings  and  great 
generals,  amongst  whom  the  immortal  Gustavus  Adolphus, 
called  the  Lion  of  the  North,  and  the  bulwark  of  Protestant- 
ism, and  Charles  XII.,the  Alexander  of  the  North.  In  1810, 
the  house  of  Vasa  died  out,  and  one  of  Napoleon's  celebrat- 
ed marshals,  Jaen  Julius  Baptista  Bernadotte,  Prince  of 
Pontecorvo,  was  elected  king  of  Sweden,  assuming  the  name 
of  Charles  John  XIV.  His  grandson,  Charles  Eugene  XV., 
is  now  king  of  Sweden. 

Sweden  comprises  the  eastern  part  of  the  Scandinavian 
peninsula,  and  is  bounded  north  and  west  by  Norway,  east 
by  Russia,  the  Bothnia  bay  and  the  Baltic,  south  by  the  Bal- 
tic and  the  Cattegat. 

Surface  and  Soil. — The  Kiolen  is  the  principal  range  of 
mountains  separating  Sweden  from  Norway,  and  many  lateral 
branches  of  this  chain  stretch  through  the  whole  country.  In 
the  south,  in  the  province  of  Skane,  is  the  promontory  of 
Kullen,  at  the  Cattegat,  with  rich  coal  mines.  Here  a  light 
tower  is  erected  for  the  protection  of  vessels.  The  soil  is 
not  very  rich,  with  the  exception  of  the  three  southern 
provinces,  Skane,  Halland,  and  Bleking,  which  have  a  fertile 
soil. 

Rivers. — The  Dol  Elf  rises  in  the  Kiolen  and  empties  into 
the  Bothnia  bay.  The  Tornea  Elf  rises  in  Norland  and  like- 
wise empties  into  the  Bothnia  bay.  The  Gotha  Elf,  a  beau- 
tiful stream,  empties  close  by  the  city  of  Gottenberg  into  the 
Cattegat,  and  is  an  outlet  of  the  large  lake  Wenner.  This 
Elf  (river)  forms  the  Trolhatta  cataract,  and  a  canal  called 
the  Trolhatta  has  been  dug  around  this  cataract  and  has 
made  navigation  possible  from  lake  Wenner  to  Gottenberg. 

Lakes. — Sweden  is  noted  for  its  large  and  beautiful  lakes, 
next  to  the  American  lakes,  and  Ladoga  and  Onega  in  Rus- 


EUROPE*  287 

sia,  the  largest  in  the  world,  namely:  Wenndr  and  Wetter  in 
Gothland,  and  Malar  in  Sweden  proper. 

Climate. — About  the  same  as  in  Norway,  the  climate  is 
very  cold,  the  winters  are  long  and  severe  and  the  summers 
short  and  hot ;  spring  is  considered  unhealthy,  autumn  is  the 
most  pleasant  season  of  the  year.  However  cold  Swe- 
den is,  it  enjoys  a  much  milder  temperature  than  those  coun- 
tries of  Asia  and  America  which  have  the  same  latitude. 

Products. — The  produce  of  grain  is  not  sufficient  for  the 
supply  of  the  inhabitants.  In  the  north,  principally  reindeer, 
but  also  wolves,  bears,  etc.,  are  found.  Many  fish  are  caught, 
especially  herring  and  salmon,  in  the  Cattegat ;  codfish  and 
seal  in  the  Bothnia  bay.  Sweden  abounds  in  forests,  prin- 
cipally of  pine  and  fir. 

Minerals. — The  principal  sources  of  wealth  in  Sweden  are 
her  mines  of  copper  and  iron.  Only  one  gold  mine  has  been 
discovered,  and  its  yield  is  inconsiderable.  Of  more  conse- 
quence is  the  silver  mine  of  Sala,  in  Sweden  proper.  The 
copper  mine  near  the  town  of  Falun  is  very  large,  and  sup- 
posed to  have  been  worked  nearly  a  thousand  years.  The 
Swedish  iron  is  considered  in  some  respects  the  best  in  the 
world.  The  whole  number  of  mines  is  computed  at  25,000. 
Sweden  has  also  much  marble,  porphyry,  and  sand  and  mill 
stories. 

Manufactures :  Those  of  iron  and  steel  are  the  most 
numerous.  The  manulactures  of  brass  and  copper,  and  the 
building  of  ships,  likewise  employ  a  great  number  of  opera- 
tives. 

Commerce. — The  commerce  of  Sweden  consists  chiefly  in 
the  exports  of  her  native  productions:  iron,  copper,  timber, 
pitch,  tar  and  hemp.  The  herring  fisheries,  particulary  in 
the  Gattegat,  have  always  formed  a  considerable  article  of  ex- 
port. The  principal  imports  are  grain  of  various  kinds, 
especially  rye,  tobacco,  sugar,  coffee,  drugs,  silk  and  wine. 

Education. — Literature  is  not  advanced  to  so  high  a  pitch 
in  Sweden  as  in  Denmark,  but  is  fairly  progressing  every 
year.  Sweden  has  two  universities,  that  of  Upsala  in  Swe- 
den proper,  founded  in  1528,  by  Gustavus  Vasa,  the  founder 
of  the  celebrated  house  of  Vasa;  and  that  of  Lund,  right 
opposite  to  Copenhagen,  in  the  province  of  Skane,  in  Goth- 
land. Besides  these  two  universities,  there  are  many  latin 
schools  round  about  in  the  country,  and  public  schools  are 
provided  in  almost  every  parish. 


288  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND-BOOK. 

Religion. — The  Lutheran  Reformation  was  introduced 
into  Sweden,  in  1527^nine  years  before  in  Denmark  and  Nor- 
way, and  the  Lutheran  religion  is  the  established  religion  of 
the  kingdom,  and  there  is  not  yet  freedom  of  religion  in  Swe- 
den, but  is  expected  soon  to  follow.  In  Norland  and  Lap- 
land are  still  some  heathen  and  gross  superstition. 

Inhabitants.— The  Swedes  in  general  are  well  formed  and 
of  a  graceful  appearance,  hospitable  and  kind  to  strangers. 
The  only  vice  which  in  some  degree  may  be  called  national, 
is  an  intemperate  use  of  strong  drinks,  which  is  common  to 
most  northern  nations.  Fondness  for  convivial  pleasures, 
music  and  dancing  is  a  leading  feature  of  the  Swedish  char- 
acter. They  display  in  their  deportment  a  civility  and  refin- 
ed politeness  similar  to  the  French,  whom  they  have  always 
striven  to  imitate.  The  peasantry  are  frugal  and  industrious, 
and  live  in  the  plainest  manner.  The  nobility  and  gentry 
are  mostly  well  educated  and  highly  accomplished,  many  01 
them  speaking  French,  English  and  German,  both  fluently 
and  grammatically. 

Government. — The  government  is  a  constitutional  mon- 
archy, the  king  being  limited  by  the  Diet,  consisting  of  the 
representatives  of  the  nobility,  the  clergy,  the  burgher  class 
and  the  peasantry,  or  the  four  Swedish  classes. 

DIVISIONS. 
Sweden  contains: 

1.  Sweden  Proper.  3.  Norland. 

2.  Gothland.  4.  Lapland. 

1.  SWEDEN  PROPER, 

Comprises  the  middle  part  of  the  kingdom. 

STOCKHOLM,  the  capital,  is  located  at  the  junction  of  lake 
Malar  with  the  Baltic,  on  seven  small  islands,  united  by 
bridges.  The  city  has  two  suburbs,  Normalm,  where  the 
Brunkeberg,  rioted  in  history,  is,  and  Sodermalm,  at  the  ex- 
tremity of  the  harbor ;  the  streets  rise  one  above  another, 
in  the  form  of  an  amphitheatre,  and  the  royal  palace,  a  mag- 
nificent building,  crowns  the  summit.  There  are  two  costly 
statues,  one  of  uustavus  Adolphus,  and  one  of  Gustavus  the 
III.,  who  was  assassinated  by  Major  Ankerstrom.  The 
arsenal  is  famous,  containing  a  long  line  of  the  effigies  of  the 
kings  of  the  house  of  Vasa  in  the  armor  which  they  actu  ally 
wore ;  here  also  is  to  be  seen  the  very  clothes  which  the 


EUROPE.  £89 

famous  Charles  XII.  had  on  when  killed,  in  1718,  at 
Frederickstad,  in  Norway.  Stockholm  is  the  most  conv 
mercial  city  of  the  kingdom,  and  she  has  many  institutions 
for  science  and  the  arts.  Next  to  that  of  Constantinople, 
Naples  and  Lisbon,  the  scenery  around  Stockholm  is  con- 
considered  the  most  picturesque  in  the  world.  1520,  No- 
vember 8th,  slaughter  of  Stockholm.  Population  100,000. 

UPSALA,  one  of  the  oldest  cities,  is  famous  for  its  univer- 
sity, founded  1528,  and  the  celebrated  gothic  cathedral  where 
many  kings  and  famous  persons  are  buried,  located  at  the 
Tyris-Elf,  where  small  steamers  ply  up  and  down  from 
Stockholm. 

FALUN,  remarkable  for  its  copper  mines  and  copper  works,  amongst  the 
most  important  in  Europe.  The  town  is,  as  it  were,  enveloped  in  a  cloud  of 
copper  smoke,  so  that  the  houses  assume  a  brownish  red  hue,  and  vegeta- 
tion suffers  so  much,  that  not  a  single  plant  can  grow  within  a  circuit  of  2 
miles,  not  even  moss  on  the  stones.  Falun  lies  in  the  province  of  Dalecar- 
lia,  from  olden  times  famous  for  the  bravery  of  its  inhabitants,  whom  Gus- 
tavus  Vasa,  in  1523,  principally  used  for  liberating  Sweden  from  Danish 
tyranny. 

SALA,  west  of  Stockholm,  is  famous  for  its  silver  mines. 

2.  GOTHLAND, 

Comprises  the  Southern  and  most  fertile  part  of  Sweden,  and 
is  divided  into  East,  West  and  South  Gothland. 

EAST  GOTHLAND. 

NORRKOPING,  on  a  bay  of  the  Baltic,  is  a  place  of  considerable  commerce. 
JONKOPING,  in  a  marshy  locality  on  lake  Wetter.     Here,   in   1809,  peace 
was  concluded  between  Denmark  and  Sweden. 

CALMAR  or  KALMAR,  a  fortified  city  at  Kalmar  Sound. 
Close  by  the  city  stands  an  old  castle  in  which  the  great  hall 
is  shown  where  the  union  of  Kalmar,  in  1397,  during  the 
reign  of  Queen  Margaret,  called  the  Semiramis  of  the 
North,  was  concluded,  which  had  in  view  a  perpetual  union 
of  the  three  Scandinavian  kingdoms,  but  did  not  last  more 
than  126  years, 

WEST  GOTHLAND. 

GOTTENBERG  is  the  second  city  for  commerce,  and  next  to 
Stockholm,  the  largest  in  Sweden.  She  is  fortified  and  lies 
at  the  Cattegat,  on  the  banks  of  the  Gotha  Elf.  She  has  a 
fine  harbor  and  extensive  docks.  A  water  communication 
between  Gottenberg  and  Stockholm,  through  the  great  lakes 
Wener  and  Wetter,  has  been  opened.  Population  30,000. 

N 


290  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

CARLSTAD,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Clara  Elf.  A  large  fair  is  held  here  yearly, 
ealled  Peersmess* 

SOUTH  GOTHLAND. 

CARLSCRONA,  a  beautiful  and  strongly  fortified  city  on  the 
banks  of  the  Baltic,  built  on  5  small  islands,  united  by  bridges, 
has  a  large  and  secure  harbor  where  the  Swedish  navy  is 
stationed.  Population  10,000. 

MALMO,  a  fortified  commercial  town  at  the  Earsound,  opposite  Copen- 
hagen. 

LUND,  famous  for  her  university  and  cathedral,  to  which 
is  united  an  artificially  constructed  Krypt-church,  viz  i  a 
church  below  the  ground.  Lund  was  in  ancient  times  the 
archi-episcopal  see  for  the  Archbishops  of  the  North. 

LANDSKRONA,  at  the  Earsound,  with  an  excellent  and  safe 
harbor.  Here  is  the  State  prison  of  Sweden.  This  town 
lies  over  against  the  small  island  of  Huen,  where  the  famous 
astronomer  Tycho  Brahe  lived  in  his  castle  called  Uranian- 
burg,  of  which  ruins  are  still  to  be  seen. 

HELSINBORO,  at  the  Earsound,  opposite  Elsinore.  Here  landed  the  Prince 
of  Pontecorvo,  when  he  arrived  to  assume  the  throne  of  Sweden. 

3.  NORLAND, 

Lies  north  of  Sweden  proper,  and   is  a  rough,  mountainous 
region,  containing  only  a  few  inhabitants. 

GEFLE,  is  the  most  important  town  here,  carrying  on  a 
brisk  trade  in  lumber,  iron  and  sail  cloth. 

4.  LAPLAND. 

This,  the  most  northern  and  most  barren  part  of  Sweden, 
is  full  of  lakes  and  mountainous  forests.  Winter  endures 
about  9  months ;  the  summers  are  short  and  excessively  hot. 
In  winter,  during  a  space  of  from  thirty  to  forty  days,  the 
sun  is  invisible,  and  during  the  same  length  of  time  in  sum- 
mer, it  does  not  set. 

The  Laplanders  have  neither  cities  nor  towns,  but  only 
small  huts  and  tents,  with  an  opening  for  a  door,  through 
which  they  creep. 

The  Grand  Dukedom  of  Finland,  belonged  through  many 
generations  to  Sweden,  but  was  annexed  to  Russia  at  the 
peace  of  1809,  the  severest  loss  which  Sweden  has  ever  sus- 
tained. 

In  other  quarters  of  the  globe,  the  Swedes  only  possess  the  small  island 
of  St.  Bartholomew,  in  the  West  Indies. 


EUROPE.  291 


THE  RUSSIAN  EMPIRE  (in  Europe.) 

Area  2,100,000  square  miles.     Population  62,000,000. 

The  ancient  inhabitants  of  European  Russia  were  called 
Scythians  or  Sarmatians,  and  belonged  to  the  Salvonic  tribe. 
These  early  inhabitants  first  founded  the  two  states  of  Nov- 
gorod and  Kiev,  which  called  in  Rurick  the  Scandinavian  to 
be  their  king,  and  he  founded  the  Duchy  of  Great  Russia, 
with  Kiev  as  the  capital.  After  the  conquest  of  the  country 
by  the  Mongolians,  and  their  subsequent  expulsion,  we  find 
the  great  founder  of  Russian  greatness,  Peter  I.,  ascending 
the  throne  in  1689.  He  by  his  conquests  wrests  the  provin- 
ces of  Ingria,  Esthnia  and  Livonia  from  Sweden,  and  by  his 
wars  with  the  Turks,  extends  his  boundaries  to  the  shores  of* 
the  Azoff.  Subsequently  the  great  part  of  Poland  became 
incorporated  with  the  Russian  empire,  and  to-day,  embracing 
its  vast  dominions  in  Asia  and  America,  it  is  regarded  as  the 
most  extensive  empire  that  the  world  has  yet  seen. 

European  Russia  is  bounded  north  by  the  Arctic  Ocean, 
east  by  Asiatic  Russia  and  the  Caspian,  south  by  the  Caspian, 
the  Caucasian  mountains,  the  Black  Sea,  Turkey  and  Aus- 
tria ;  and  west  by  Austria,  Prussia,  the  Baltic,  Sweden  and 
Norway. 

Surface,  fyc. — The  surface  of  Russia  is  in  general  level. 
In  the  southern  portion  the  large  dry  steppes  are  well  adapt- 
ed for  the  raising  of  cattle ;  the  interior  is  a  fertile  agricultu- 
ral ^soil ;  and  further  north,  immense  forests  extend  to 
67°  of  north  latitude,  and  thence  the  soil  is  wild  and  marshy 
and  covered  with  snow  the  greater  part  of  the  year.  The 
Ural  is  the  principal  chain  of  mountains  on  the  Asiatic  border, 
which  are  called  the  Werchoturian  mountains  in  the  north, 
and  have  an  elevation  of  6400  feet.  In  the  interior  are  the 
Valdan-hills,called  also  the  Wolchonsky-forest,  with  but  small 
elevations,  in  which  the  principal  Russian  rivers  have  their 
sources ;  and  upon  the  Crimean  peninsula  are  the  Tauric 
mountains. 

Rivers. — The  Ural,  the  Asiatic  boundary  river,  the  Volga, 
and  the  Terek  empty  into  the  Caspian  sea  ;  the  Kouban  into 
the  Black  sea;  the  Don  into  the  sea  of  Azoff;  the  Dnieper  and 
the  Dniester,  which  rise  in  the  Carpathian  mountains,  into 
the  Black  Sea;  the  Danube'gand  its  tributary, the  Pruth, form- 
ing the  boundary  with  Turkey,  into  the  Black  sea ;  the  Duna 


292  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

into  the  Gulf  of  Riga,  and  the  Dwina  into  the  White  sea. 
The  Volga,  the  Don,  the  Dnieper,  the  Dana,  and  the  Dwina, 
all  rise  in  the  interior  of  Russia.  By  means  of  numerous 
canals  in  the  interior  of  Russia,  uninterrupted  water  commu- 
nication exists  between  Astrachan,  St.  Petersburg  and  Arch- 
angel. 

Lakes. — The  principal  lakes  of  Russia  are  Ladoga,  with  an 
area  of  6,220  square  miles,  and  Onega,  4;260  square  miles. 
Lakes  Ilman  and  Saima  are  also  considerable  bodies  of 
water. 

Climate. — As  a  consequence  of  the  great  extent  of  country, 
the  climate  of  Russia  varies  greatly.  In  the  south  the  air  is 
delightful  and  Warm,  and  here  the  vine  grows ;  in  the  north 
it  is  so  cold  that  neither  trees  nor  shrubbery  are  visible ;  in  the 
interior  the  air  is  moderate  and  in  general  it  is  rather  cold 
than  warm. 

Products. — The  central  regions  of  Russia  are  the  most 
fertile  and  best  cultivated ;  they  produce  wheat  and  corn  in 
abundance,  flax  and  hemp  of  an  excellent  quality,  and  also 
tobacco,  especially  in  the  Ukraine.  The  large  forests  yield 
wood,  tar  and  potash ;  and  much  game  and  fish  are  caught, 
particularly  sturgeon.  Many  horned  cattle,  sheep  and  horses 
are  raised,  the  latter  being  generally  distinguished  for  their 
swiftness  and  endurance.  In  the  southern  part  the  camel 
is  found,  but  in  the  northern,  the  reindeer  and  fur  ani- 
mals are  alone  met  with. 

Minerals. — Russia  is  noted  for  its  precious  metals.  Gold 
and  platinum  are  found  in  the  Ural  mountains,  and  silver, 
copper,  iron  and  lead  are  met  with  in  various  parts.  Diamonds, 
emeralds  and  other  precious  stones  are  obtained  in  some 
places,  and  salt  is  extensively  made,  especially  in  the  Southern 
provinces. 

Manufactures. — With  the  exception  of  the  noted  Russia 
leather,  the  manufactures  of  the  empire  have,  up  to  a  late 
period,  been  restricted  within  a  narrow  compass.  During  the 
reign  of  two  or  three  of  the  last  sovereigns,  manufactures  have 
made  great  advancements.  The  great  manufacturing  district 
is  in  and  around  Moscow.  The  manufacture  of  cotton  and 
silk,  also  cloth,  canvass,  cuttleries,  hardware  and  glassware, 
are  the  principal. 

Commerce. — The  Russian  commerce  is  very  extensive,  and 
increasing  every  year.  The  exports  are  chiefly  confined  to  tal- 
low, corn,  hemp,  flax,  linseed,  hemp  seed,  timber,  wool,  can- 


EUROPE.  293 

vass,  iron,  coffee,  leather  and  furs.  The  internal  trade  is 
carried  on  principally  with  China,  Independent  Tartary,  Persia 
and  Germany.  Fairs  are  held  in  different  places  which 
attract  great  numbers  of  merchants  and  traders. 

Education. — Russia  is  greatly  behind  the  other  nations  of 
Europe,  in  the  advancement  she  has  made  in  the  cause  of  gen- 
eral education,  but  she  is  now  making  respectable  progress  in 
this  direction.  As  regards  the  higher  branches  of  knowledge, 
she  rivals  the  rest  of  Europe.  Russia  contains  seven  univer- 
sities, and  each  governmental  or  provincial  capital  has  a  gym- 
nasium. 

Inhabitants. — The  inhabitants  of  this  vast  empire  are  com- 
posed of  different  races,  some  of  which  have  made  but  little 
or  no  advance  in  European  civilization.  The  Russians  pro- 
per, Cossacks,  Finns  and  Tartars  compose  the  principal  races. 
Besides  these  are  the  Samoieds  who  inhabit  the  cold,  dreary 
regions  of  the  North.  The  Russian  is  in  general,  the  spoken 
language  throughout  the  Empire,  but  German  supplies  its 
place  in  most  of  the  Baltic  provinces.  The  great  mass  of 
the  Russians  belong  to  the  Greek  church,  and  are  by  nature 
grave  and  good  natured,  yet  artful,  religious,  but  quite  super- 
stitious and  very  lively. 

Government. — The  government  is  an  absolute  monarchy. 
All  power  is  vested  in  the  Emperor,  who  is  head  of  the  church 
and  state,  and  he  is  styled  the  Autocrat  of  all  the  Kussias. 

DIVISIONS. 

European  Russia  is  properly  divided  into  Russia  proper, 
and  the  newly  acquired  provinces. 

1.  RUSSIA  PROPER 

Is  subdivided  into  great  and  small  Russia. 
1.  GREAT  RUSSIA. 

KOLA  is  the  most  northern  town  of  Russia,  located  on  the  banks  of  the 
Arctic  ocean,  Extensive  whale  fisheries  are  carried  on  here. 

ARCHANGEL,  on  the  Dwina,40  miles  from  its  mouth,  is  the 
oldest  commercial  city  in  Russia.  It  has  large  docks  in  which 
men-of-war  are  built,  also  sail  cloth  and  rope  manufactures. 
The  houses  are  principally  built  of  wood,  and  the  streets  are 
paved  with  thick  boards  and  trunks  of  trees.  During  winter 
an  innumerable  quantity  of  sleds  arrive  here  loaded  with  rye, 
flax,  hemp,  mats,  eider-down  and  furs.  Population  24,OOQt 


294  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

From  Archangel  daring  adventurers  go  out  during  summer,  in  small  craft, 
to  the  island  of  Nova-Zembla,  located  in  the  Arctic,  in  order  to  catch  white 
bears,  foxes,  walruses  and  seal.  Some  of  these  hunters  have  even  wintered 
in  this  arctic  island* 

NOVGOROD,  on  lake  Ilmen,  an  ancient  city  which,  during 
the  existence  of  the  Hanseatic  league,  was  an  important  city. 
She  was  then  so  powerful  that  it  became  a  proverb^  "  Who 
can  stand  against  God  and  the  Great  Novgorod."  This  city 
contained  at  that  time  400,000  inhabitants,  now  only  15,000. 

TWER,  a  fortified  town  on  the  Volga,  with  considerable  manufactures,  and 
24,OCO  inhabitants, 

JAROSLAV,  on  the  Volga,  is  noted  for  its  academy  and  active 
mannfactures.  Population  34,000. 

NuNii-NovGOROD,  on  the  Volga,  is  noted  for  its  annual 
fair,  the  largest  in  Europe.  Population  28,000. 

Moscow,  the  ancient  capital  of  the  Empire,  and  the  resi- 
dence of  the  czars,  with  the  extensive  castle  called  the 
Kremlin,  in  which  the  Russian  emperors  are  crowned,  is  the 
centre  of  the  inland  Russian  trade,  and  has  a  university, 
many  manufactures  and  400,000  inhabitants.  The  Russians 
burned  this  city  in  1812,  rather  than  permit  it  to  fall  into  the 
hands  of  Napoleon. 

A  few  miles  southwest  of  Moscow  lies  Mojaisk,  where  the  great  battle 
was  fought  between  the  Russians  and  French,  prior  to  the  advance  of  the 
latter  into  Moscow. 

SMOLENSK,  on  the  Dnieper,  carries  on  a  considerable  trade.  Here  a  severe 
battle  was  fought  with  the  French  in  1812. 

KALUGA,  on  the  Oka,  with  large  manufactures  and  trade. 
Population  40,000. 

TULA,  noted  as  the  great  manufactory  of  weapons  in  Rus- 
sia. It  is  the  Russian  Sheffield  and  Birmingham.  Popula- 
tion 54,000. 

OREL,  with  33,000  inhabitants,  who  carry  on  a  great  grain 
trade,  Sandstone  quarries  in  the  vicinity. 

2.  SMALL  RUSSIA. 

A  part  of  this  division,  called  the  Ukraine,  noted  for  its 
fertility,  is  chiefly  inhabited  by  the  Cossacks. 

KIEV,  on  the  Dnieper,  is  an  ancient  city  with  50,000  in- 
habitants. She  has  a  university  and  a  celebrated  monastery 
with  subterranean  passages,  vaults  and  catacombs,  in  which 
more  than  100  saints  are  preserved,  to  which  pilgrimages  are 

made. 

POLTAVA,  where  Charles  the  XII.  of  Sweden  was  defeated  in  1709  by 
Peter  the  Great.  Here  a  monument  is  erected  in  honor  of  the  latter, 


EUROPE.  295 

II.  THE  NEW  PROVINCES, 

Which  have  been  wrested  by  conquest  from  Sweden,  Poland, 
Turkey  and  Tartary. 

1.  SWEDISH  RUSSIA, 

Comprises  Finland,  Ingria,  Esthnia  and  Livonia,  all  lying 
upon  the  Baltic. 

a.  FINLAND. 

There  is  a  vast  number  of  lakes  in  Finland,  united  to- 
gether by  channels,  and  the  shores  of  these  lakes  are  gener- 
ally covered  with  forests.  Saima  is  the  largest  of  these. 

NYSTAD,  on  the  Gulf  of  Bothnia,  has  a  considerable  trade  in  wooden  wares. 
Peace  was  concluded  here,  1721,  between  Sweden  and  Russia. 

ABO,  the  ancient  capital  of  Finland.  Here  Queen  Christi- 
ana, the  daughter  of  Gustavus  Adolphus,  established  in  1640 
the  university  of  Finland. 

HELSINGFORS,  on  the  gulf  of  Finland,  has  a  university,  re- 
moved hither  from  Abo.  It  has  an  excellently  fortified  har- 
bor, protected  by  the  fortress  of  Sweaborg,  called  on  account 
of  its  strength,  the  "  Northern  Gibraltar."  Population  18,000. 

WIBORG,  a  fortified  town  at  the  Gulf  of  Finland,  with  considerable  trade. 

A  group  of  islands  lies  in  the  Gulf  of  Bothnia,  opposite  Abo,  named  from 

the  most  important  and  largest  one,  noted  for  its  fertility,  the  Aland  Islands. 

Finland,  which  for  four  centuries  had  belonged  to  Sweden, 
came  in  1809,  by  the  peace  of  Frederickshamn,  into  the  pos- 
session of  Russia. 

b.  INGRIA. 

-  ST.  PETERSBURG,  the  capital  of  Russia  and  residence  of 
the  emperor,  is  situated  upon  14  islands,  at  the  mouth  of  the 
river  Neva.  It  is  one  of  the  most  regularly  built  and  splendid 
cities  in  the  world,  founded  by  Peter  the  Great,  in  1705,  and  it 
contains  a  university,  with  a  vast  library,  and  a  population  of 
500,000.  This  city  has  a  splendid  harbor,  and  its  commerce 
is  very  extensive.  Many  magnificent  and  interesting  edifices 
adorn  St.  Petersburg,  and  the  colossal  statues  of  Peter  the 
Great  and  Alexander  I.,  are  objects  displaying  a  high 
degree  of  artistic  perfection.  In  the  vicinity,  the  Royal 
Castles  of  Peterhof  and  Oranienbaum  are  situated. 

CRONSTADT,  the  most  important  naval  harbor  in  the  Em- 
pire,and  the  principal  station  of  the  Russian  navy,  is  situated 
on  an  island  in  the  Gulf  of  Finland,  20  miles  from  St.  Pe- 
tersburg. It  is  strongly  fortified,  has  3  harbors,  2  for  men-of- 


296  GEOGRAPHICAL   HAND   BOOK. 

war  and  one  for  merchantmen,  and  it  has  also  excellent  docks 
and  great  naval  stores.  Large  vessels  cannot  proceed  to  the 
capital,  but  stop  here.  Population  55,000. 

NARVA,  upon  the  gulf  of  Finland,  where  Charles  XII.  defeated  Peter 
the  Great,  in  1700. 

c.  ESTHNIA. 

REVAL,  a  fortified  town  on  the  gulf  of  Finland,  where  a 
part  of  the  imperial  navy  lies.  It  was  founded  by  the  Dan- 
ish king,  Waldemar  the  second.  Population  30,000. 

The  island  of  Dago,  in  the  Baltic,  belongs  to  Esthnia,  and  is  noted  for  its 
sheep  and  cloth  manufactures. 

d.  LIVONIA. 

DORP  AT,  near  Lake  Peipus,  with  a  celebrated  university,  considered  the 
best  in  Russia. 

RIGA,  a  fortified  city,  and  next  to  St.  Petersburg,  the  most 
important  commercial  place  and  seaport,  is  situated  on  the 
Duna,  7  miles  from  the  sea.     Much  rye,  flax  and  hemp  are 
exported  from  this  city.     Population  75,000. 
The  fertile  island  of  Oesel  belongs  to  Livonia. 

2.  POLISH  RUSSIA, 

Consists  of  the  kingdom  of  Poland,  Curland  and  Lithuania. 
a.  THE  KINGDOM  OF   POLAND. 

Area  50,000  square  miles.     Population  5,000,000. 

The  kingdom  of  Poland  lies  between  Prussia,  Russia,  Gali- 
cia  and  Germany.  It  is  generally  level  and  fertile, and  abounds 
in  forests,  but  in  the  northeast  is  marshy  and  boggy.  In  the 
southeast  are  some  mountains,  but  none  of  them  have  great 
elevations.  The  Vistula  is  the  principal  river,  and  it  receives 
the  Bug  on  the  right  as  a  tributary;  the  Wartha  rises  in  Po- 
land. The  air  is  pure  and  healthy,  and  the  winters  tolerably 
long  and  cold,  but  not  severe.  Much  grain,  hemp  and  flax 
are  raised  here,  and  wood  is  very  plenty ;  the  raising  of  cat- 
tle and  the  cultivation  of  the  bee  are  also  important  branches 
of  industry.  Wolves,  bears  and  elk  are  found  in  this  coun- 
try. Over  half  a  million  of  Jews  reside  in  Poland,  but  the 
Roman  Catholic  is  the  prevalent  religion.  The  lower 
classes  live  in  the  deepest  degradation  and  ignorance,  in  mis- 
erable huts  ;  whilst  the  nobility,  on  the  contrary,  revel  in 
luxury  and  splendor ;  yet  even  amongst  these,  much  misery, 
disorder  and  filth  are  discernible.  The  kingdom  of  Poland 
now  forms  a  constituent  part  of  the  Great  Russian  Empire, 


EUROPE.  29t 

other  parts  of  ancient  Poland  having  been  appropriated  by 
Prussia  and  Austria. 

WARSAW,  situated  on  the  right  bank  of  the  Vistula,  is  the 
ancient  capital  of  Poland,  and  one  of  the  finest  cities  of  Eu- 
rope. It  contains  numerous  palaces  and  other  magnificent 
public  arid  private  buildings,  and  is  the  centre  of  Polish 
commerce.  Population  160,000. 

PRAGA,  situated  on  the  opposite  bank  of  the  Vistula,  is  united  to  Warsaw 
by  a  bridge,  and  regarded  as  a  suburb  of  the  latter. 

LUBLIN  is  a  fortified  city,  holding  three  annual  fairs,  which 
are  attended  by  Turks,  Russians  and  Germans.  Population 
15,000. 

KALISH,  a  handsome  city  near  the  frontier  of  Posen,  with 
important  linen  and  cloth  manufactures  and  12,000  inhabi- 
tants. 

PLOCK,  has  a  remarkable  cathedral,  various  manufactures, 
much  trade  and  10,000  inhbitants. 

PULTUSK,  32  miles  from  Warsaw,  is  noted  for  the  battles  of  1703  and  1806. 

ZAMOSK  is  famed  for  its  strong  fortress. 

b.  CURLAND, 

Is  separated  from  Livonia,  by  the  river  Duna,  and  its  coast 
abounds  in  amber. 

MIETAU,  28  miles  southwest  of  Riga,  lies  on  the  great 
highway  to  the  capital,  and  is  a  great  stopping  place  of  the 
travel  thither.  Population  30,000. 

LIBAU,  a  commercial  city  on  the  Baltic. 

c.  LITHUANIA. 

WITEBSK,  his  a  considerable  trade,  and  is  noted  for  its 
mead.  Population  18,000. 

MOIIILEV,  on  the  Dneiper,  with  noted  leather  manufactures, 
and  24,000  inhabitants. 

WiLNA,the  capital  of  Lithuania,  with  54,000  inhabitants, 
many  of  whom  are  Jews. 

Between  Mohilev  and  Wilna,  lies  the  town  of  BORISOV,  near  which  the 
disastrous  passage  of  the  French  army  over  the  river  Beresina  took  place, 
on  their  retreat  from  Moscow,  in  which  thousands  perished. 

GRODNO,  on  the  Niemen,  noted  for  its  fairs. 

BIALYSTOCK,  a  handsome  city,  called  the  "  Podlachian  Versailles." 

3.  TURKISH  RUSSIA, 

Lies  south  of  Russia  proper,  and  its  inhabitants  arc  partly 

i* 


298  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

BENDER,  a  fortified  city  on  the  Dniester,  in  Bessarabia. 

Near  this  lies  WARNITZA,  noted  for  the  four  years  residence  of  Charles  the 
XII.  after  his  defeat  at  Poltava. 

ISMAIL,  a  fortified  city  on  the  Danube,  with  22,000  inhabitants. 

AKJERMAN,  a  fortified  city  at  the  mouth  of  the  Dniester, 
with  vine  culture,  considerable  commerce,  and  25,000  inhabi- 
tan  . 

ODESSA,  on  the  Black  sea,  is  the  emporium  of  Southern 
Russia  and  one  of  the  finest  cities  of  the  Empire,  with 
80,000  inhabitants. 

CHERSON,  on  the  Dnieper,  near  its  mouth,  is  one  of  the  sta- 
tions of  the  Russian  navy,  with  35,000  inhabitants.  John 
Howard,  the  philanthropist,  died  here. 

SEBASTOPOL,  on  the  Crimean  peninsulars  the  chief  station 
of  the  Russian  fleets  in  the  Black  sea,  with  one  of  the  best 
harbors  in  Europe.  It  fell  in  the  late  Crimean  war,  in  1855, 
into  the  hands  of  the  allied  French  and  English  forces. 

TAGANROG,  the  chief  commercial  city  on  the  sea  of  Azoff.  Here  in  the 
year  1825,  the  emperor  Alexander  I.  was  poisoned. 

TSCHERKASK,  near  the  Don,  is  the  capital  of  the  Cossacks  of  the  Don,  and 
the  seat  of  their  governor,  called  the  Hetman. 

4.  TARTARIC  RUSSIA, 

Comprises  the  two  old  Tartar  kingdoms  of  Kasan  and  As- 
trachan,the  former  conquered  by  the  Russians  in  1552,  and 
the  latter  in  1554.  The  northern  part  is  tolerably  fertile  and 
has  large  forests ;  the  Southern  is  composed  of  vast  unculti- 
vated steppes  used  as  pasture  lands  by  the  nomadic  tribes. 
These  regions  abound  in  salt  lakes  and  morasses. 

ASTRACHAN,  a  great  commercial  city  on  the  Volga,  30  miles 
from  its  mouth,  has  extensive  morocco  manufactures,  and  is 
noted  lor  its  sturgeon  fisheries.  Population  50,000. 

SAREPTA,  a  small  town  and  settlement  of  the  Moravian  brethren. 

KASAN,  near  the  Volga,  with  numerous  and  important 
manufactures  and  55,000  inhabitants.  It  is  noted  for  its 
university  and  its  extensive  trade. 

URALSK,  the  capital  of  the  Ural  Cossacks. 

ORENSBURG  is  a  fortified  city,  530  [miles  distant  from  As- 
trachan,  and  the  emporium  of  the  Russian  trade  with  central 
Asia.  It  is  a  place  of  banishment. 

Besides  the  aforementioned  divisions  of  the  Russian  Empire,  the  emperor 
possesses  in  Asia,  Siberia  and  Caucasian- Russia,  and  the  vast  country  on  the 
northwestern  part  of  America. 


EUROPE.  299 

THE  KINGDOM  OF  PRUSSIA,  (including  the  German 

provinces. ) 

Area  109,000  square  miles.     Population  16,100,000. 

The  kingdom  of  Prussia  consists  of  two  distinct  territories" 
about  40  miles  apart,  separated  by  Hanover  and  Hesse 
Cassel.  The  one  of  these  is  composed  of  East  and  West 
Prussia,  and  Posen,  and  the  other  of  the  German  provinces 
of  Brandenburg,  Pomerania,  Silesia,  Saxony,  Westphalia  and! 
the  Rhenish  province.  The  dominions  of  the  king  of  Prussia,, 
exclusive  of  the  German  provinces,  include  an  area  of  36,508 
square  miles,  and  a  population  of  3,863,000,  and  it  is  alone 
this  portion  of  the  kingdom  that  is  here  described;  the  remain- 
ing Prussian  possessions,  being  a  part  of  Germany,  will  be 
treated  under  the  head  of  Germany,  where  the  king  also  has 
his  residence. 

These  possessions  lie  between  Russia,  Poland,  Germarfy 
and  the  Baltic. 

Surface,  fyc. — The  surface  of  the  country  is  generally 
level,  with  the  exception  of  a  lew  ranges  of  hills. 

Rivers. — The  principal  rivers  are  the  Vistula,  with  its 
tributary,  the  Nogat ;  the  Pregel  and  the  Niemen.  The 
Wartha,  a  tributary  of  the  Oder,  flows  through  the  province 
of  Posen.  It  receives  the  Netz,  which  is  united  by  the 
Bromberg  canal  to  the  Brahe,  a  tributary  stream  of  the  Vis- 
tula, so  that  in  this  manner  the  latter  is  united  to  the  Oder. 

Bays. — The  Curisheand  Frische  HafF,  as  also  thePutziger 
Wiek,  are  bays  ot  the  Baltic.  The  long  narrow  tongues  of 
land  by  the  two  former  are  called  Nehrungs. 

Climate. — The  climate  is  in  general  salubrious  and  mild, 
but  various  in  the  several  provinces.  In  the  Baltic  provin- 
ces it  is  moist  and  changeable,  especially  along  the  coast. 

Products. — Much  grain  and  flax  are  raised,  and  amber  is 
found  in  great  quantities  along  the  shores  of  the  Baltic. 
There  are  extensive  forests,  which  yield  wood  in  sufficient 
quantities  for  exportation.  The  rearing  of  bees  is  an  object 
of  considerable  attention. 

Manufactures. — Manufactures  are  carried  on  with  great 
energy  in  all  parts  of  Prussia.  The  chief  manufactures  of 
Prussia  proper  are  those  of  leather,  morocco  and  cordovan, 
and  in  Posen,  that  of  woolen  and  linen  goods.  Many  brew- 
eries and  distilleries  are  established  in  Posen. 


300  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND   BOOK. 

Education. — The  Prussian  system  of  education  is  consid- 
ered superior  to  that  of  all  other  European  countries,  and  is 
equalled  by  none  except  by  that  of  some  of  the  States  of  our 
Union.  It  is  made  obligatory  upon  all  persons  to  send  their 
children  to  school  or  provide  for  their  education  in  some 
other  manner.  So  general  is  intelligence  diffused  in  Prussia, 
that  it  is  difficult  to  find  a  person  who  is  unable  to  read  or 
write.  A  university  is  established  at  Konigsberg. 

Inhabitants. — East  and  West  Prussia  are  generally  inhab- 
ited by  Germans,  but  in  the  province  of  Posen  many  Poles 
dwell,  who  speak  their  native  language.  The  former  belong 
to  the  Lutheran,  the  latter  to  the  Catholic  church.  The  gov- 
ernment is  a  constitutional  monarchy. 

DIVISIONS. 

The  divisions  of  this  part  of  Prussia  are  East  and  West 
Prussia  and  Posen. 

1.  EAST  PRUSSIA. 

MEMEL,  a  maritime  town  situated  at  the  entrance  to  the 
Curische  Haff,  has  an  active  trade,  especially  in  lumber. 
Population  12,000. 

TILSIT,  on  the  Niemen,  is  historically  remarkable  for  the  peace  concluded 
here  July  9th,  1807,  between  Alexander  I.,  Frederick  William  III.,  and 
Napoleon. 

KONIGSBERG,  on  the  Pregel,  five  miles  from  its  mouth,  is 
one  of  the  most  important  commercial  cities  on  the  Baltic, 
with  a  university,  a  large  amber  magazine,  and  80,000  in- 
habitants. 

PILLAU,  a  fortified  town  at  the  entrance  into  the  Frische  Haff,  where  large 
vessels  carrying  goods  for  Konigsberg  must  be  lightened  of  part  of  their 
c  irgoes.  The  peninsula  upon  which  Pillau  is  built,  is  called  the  Prussian 
Paradise. 

FRIEDLAND  and  EYLAU,  are  known  in  history  for  two 
severe  battles  preceding  the  peace  of  Tilsit.  At  Eylau,  the 
battle  was  a  drawn  one,  but  at  Friedland  Napoleon  was 
victorious. 

2.  WEST  PRUSSIA. 

ELBING,  near  the  Frische  Haff,  carries  on  a  smart  trade  in 
Prussian  and  Polish  merchandise.  Population  22,000. 

DANTZIC,  a  strongly  fortified,  and  the  chief  commercial 
city  on  the  Vistula,  five  miles  from  the  Baltic.  Its  trade  in 
wheat,  wood,  leather,  wool  and  liquors  is  considerable, 
and  WOQcJ  $re  brought  iu  great  quantities  to  this 


EUROPE.  301 

for  export.     In  the  Middle  Ages,  this  city  was  one-of  the 
principal  towns  of  the  Hanseatic  league.     Population  70,000. 

MARIENBUKQ  on  the  Nogat,  built  by  the  German  knights  who,  in  the 
13th  century,  conquered  Prussia.  The  ancient  Gothic  castle  of  the 
grand  master  of  this  order  has  in  recent  times  been  restored,  so  that  the 
visitor  can  now  survey  the  long  passages,  the  immense  halls  and  the  lofty 
columns  of  this  castle. 

MARIENWERDER,  3  miles  distant  from  the  Vistula,  has  a  considerable  fruit 
trade. 

GRAUDENZ  on  the  Vistula,  is  noted  for  its  strong  fortress. 

THORN,  a  fortified  city  on  the  Vistula,has  a  considerable  grain 
and  wood  trade.  Here  the  celebrated  Astronomer,  Nicholas 
Copernicus  was  born,  in  1473.  Population  14,000. 

3.  POSEN, 

Was  until  1795,  a  constituent  part  of  the  kingdom  of  Poland^ 
POSEN,  the  capital  of  the  province,  situated  on  the  river 

Wartha,  is  noted  for  its  literary  institutions,  manufactures  and 

trade.     This  city  was,  during  the  middle  ages,  the  residence 

of  the  Polish  sovereigns.     Population  41,000. 
FRAUSTADT,  LISSA  and  RAWICZ,  on  the  Silesian  frontier,  are  noted  for 

their  cloth  manufactures. 

BROMBERG,  on  the  Brahe  river,  which  receives  here  the 
Bromberg  canal,  has  many  manufactures  and  a  considerable 
grain  trade.  Population  10,000. 


EMPIRE  OF  AUSTRIA. 

Area  248,000  square  miles.    Population  37,000,000. 

The  Empire  of  Austria  ranks  amongst  the  five  leading 
States  of  Europe,  viz  :  England,  France,  Russia,  Austria  and 
Prussia.  She  comprises  Galicia,  the  Hungarian  States,  a 
considerable  portion  of  Germany,  and  Venetia  in  Italy.  Until 
1859,  she  was  likewise  possessed  of  the  Italian  kingdom  of 
Lombardy,  but  by  the  treaty  of  Villafranca,  July  llth,  of 
that  year,  she  ceded  this  part  of  her  dominions  to  Sardinia. 
Francis  Joseph,  the  ruler  of  the  Austrian  empire,  governs 
it  with  absolute  sway.  The  emperor  of  Austria  was  up  to 
the  year,  1806,  styled  the  German  emperor.  The  divisions 
of  Austria  are  treated  under  the  head  of  the  different  countries 
of  which  this  empire  is  composed. 

1.  THE  KINGDOM  OF  GALICIA  WITH  BUKOWINA, 

Area  39,908  square  miles,    Population  4,950,000, 


302  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

It  is  bounded  north  by  Poland,  east  by  Russia,  south  by 
Hungary,  and  west  by  Germany. 

Surface,  fyc. — The  Carpathian  mountains  lie  on  the  bor- 
ders of  Hungary.  These  are  rugged  and  rich  in  romantic 
scenery,  and  their  lower  zones  are  covered  with  different 
kinds  of  timber.  In  the  north  the  surface  is  in  general  level, 
and  its  aspect  is  very  similar  to  that  of  Poland. 

Rivers. — The  Vistula  flows  on  the  borders  of  Poland,  and 
the  Dniester  rises  near  the  middle  of  the  Carpathian  moun- 
tains, and  runs  southeasterly  into  the  Black  sea.  The  Pruth 
and  the  Sereth,  two  tributaries  of  the  Danube,  rise  here. 

Climate. — The  climate  resembles  that  of  Poland. 

Manufactures. — The  principal  manufactures  are  linen  and 
woolen  goods,  paper,  wooden  utensils,  tobacco,  leather,  pot- 
ters' ware  and  glass.  Distilleries  abound  all  over  Galicia. 

Commerce. — Commerce  is  limited,  and  mostly  in  the  hands 
of  the  Jews.  The  chief  exports  are  cattle  and  horses,  grain, 
salt,  timber,  potash,  skins  arid  hides. 

Education — Education  is  in  a  very  low  state.  The  lite- 
rary productions  of  the  country  are  mostly  in  Polish,  and 
some  Hebrew  periodicals  have  lately  been  established.  The 
chief  seats  of  literature  are  Lemberg  and  Cracow. 

Products. — As  in  Poland,  so  also  here,  the  culture  of 
grain,  the  raising  of  cattle,  and  the  management  of  bees,  at- 
tract great  attention.  The  mountains  furnish  minerals  of 
nearly  all  kinds, but  principally  iron,  sulphur,  granite  and  im- 
mense quantities  of  rock  salt. 

Inhabitants — The  bulk  of  the  inhabitants  are  Poles,  and 
speak  the  Polish  language ;  the  remainder  are  composed  of 
Germans  and  Jews.  Their  religion  and  mode  of  life  corres- 
pond with  those  of  the  people  of  Poland,  as  Galicia 
formed  a  part  of  that  once  powerful,  but  now  dismembered 
country.  Galicia  forms  part  of  the  Austrian  Empire. 

LEMBERG,  a  fortified  city  on  a  branch  of  the  Bug  river, 
with  a  University  and  75,000  inhabitants,  many  of  whom 
are  Jews.  It  has  an  active  trade  and  extensive  money  trans- 
actions during  the  season  of  Lent,  owing  to  the  great  con- 
course of  the  nobility  who  assemble^  here  during  that  time. 

CRACOW,  on  the  banks  of  the  Vistula,  166  miles  southwest 
of  Warsaw,  carries  on  a  considerable  trade,  and  is  noted  for 
its  architectural  monuments,  its  churches,  and  its  extensive 
castle,  the  ancient  residence  of  the  Polish  kings.  This  city, 


EUROPE.  303 

up  to  1847,  was  the  last  solitary  remnant  of  dismembered 
and  partitioned  Poland.  A  monument  is  here  erected  in  honor 
of  the  brave  patriot  Kosciusco.  Population  45,000. 

BRODY,  on  the  Russian  frontier,  is  the  commercial  empori- 
um of  Galicia,  and  has  a  variety  of  manufactures  and 
25,000  inhabitants,  five-sixths  of  whom  are  Jews. 

WIELICZKA  has  the  largest  and  most  celebrated  salt-mine  in  the  "world, 
which  is  500  yards  deep  and  one  and  a  half  miles  long,  in  which  900  labor- 
ers are  constantly  employed.  In  this  mine  there  are  magazines,  streets, 
stores  and  chapels,  all  hewn  in  solid  rock. 

BOCHNIA  has  also  salt  mines. 

CZERNOWITZ,  near  the  Pruth,  is  the  capital  of  Bukowina. 

2.  THE  HUNGARIAN  STATES. 

Area  130,000  square  miles.     Population  15,000,000. 

These  States  are  bounded  north  by  Galicia,  east  by  Mol- 
davia, and  Wallachia,  south  by  Tuikey,  and  west  by  the 
Adriatic  and  Germany. 

Surface,  8?c. — The  Carpathian  mountains  run  on  the 
northern  and  eastern  frontier  of  these  states,  whence  large 
portions  of  them  are  mountainous;  in  the  south  and  west, 
the  county  is  quite  level,  but  has  many  bogs  and  morasses. 

Rivers. — The  Danube  is  the  principal  river  flowing  through 
these  states,  and  for  a  distance,  forms  the  boundary  with 
Turkey.  On  the  left  side  it  receives  the  March,  forming  the 
boundary  of  Germany,  and  also  the  Theiss  ;  and  on  the  right 
side,  the  Drave  and  the  Save,  which  flows  along  the  Turkish 
frontier. 

Lakes. — The  greatest  lakes  are  the  Flatten  and  the  New- 
siedler. 

Climate. — On  the  summits  of  the  mountains,  the  air  is 
very  cold  and  severe  but  on  their  declivities  it  is  quite  mild 
and  serene,  the  mountains  warding  off  the  north  winds. 
The  temperature  of  the  atmosphere  gradually  increases  to- 
wards the  South,  until  in  the  extreme  Southern  districts  it  is 
quite  sultry  and  unhealthy. 

Products — The  various  branches  of  agriculture,  the  graz- 
ing of  cattle,  the  rearing  of  bees  and  the  manufacture  of 
wine,  are  the  principal  occupations  of  the  peasantry.  Beau- 
tiful horses  and  oxen  are  raised  here ;  buffalo,  sheep  with 
large  branching  horns  and  coarse  shaggy  wool,  goats  and 
swine,  large  dogs,  which  are  used  to  watch  the  herds  ;  many 


304  GEOGRAPHICAL   HAND  BOOK. 

domestic  and  "wild  fowls,  bustards  and  pelicans.  The  mines 
yield  much  gold,  silver,  copper,  lead,  iron  and  quicksilver. 

Manufactures.  —  Hungary  is  greatly  dependent  upon  the 
other  portion  of  the  Austrian  empire  for  its  manufactures, 
but  she  has  a  considerable  number  of  establishments  for  the 
manufacture  of  linen  and  woolen  goods,  leather,  paper,  pot- 
tery, clay  pipes,  soap,  candles  and  tobacco. 

Commerce.  —  Hungary  exports  wheat,  rapeseed,  galls,  honey, 
wax,  wine,  tobacco,  copper,  alum,  potash,  wood,  cattle,  sheep, 
dried  fruits  and  brandies.  As  regards  imports,  she  depends, 
like  as  for  manufactures,  upon  the  other  portions  of  the  em- 
pire. The  means  of  communication  are  very  poor,  as  good 
roads  are  rare  and  the  rivers  are  not  well  supplied  for  navi- 
gation. 

Education.  —  The  means  for  supplying  elementary  instruc- 
tion are  greatly  neglected  in  all  parts  of  Hungary.  She  is, 
however,  not  so  destitute  of  institutions  designed  to  impart 
the  higher  grades  of  instruction,  especially  classical.  The 
leading  Hungarian  institutions  of  instruction  are  at  Pesth, 
this  city  being  regarded  as  the  literary  centre  of  the  country. 

Inhabitants.  —  The  inhabitants  belong  to  several  various 
and  distinct  races,  the  principal  of  which  are  the  Magyars  or 
Hungarians  proper,  Slavonians,  Croatians,  Germans  and 
Wallachians.  The  Latin  is  the  judicial  language,  and  is  also 
to  some  extent  in  common  use.  The  bulk  of  the  people 
belong  to  the  Roman  Catholic  church,  but  many  to  the  Greek 
and  Protestant.  Besides  the  aforementioned  races,  there  are 
many  Jews  and  Gipsies.  The  Hungarian  States  are  under 
the  government  of  the  Emperor  of  Austria. 

DIVISIONS. 
The  different  States  are  : 

1.  Hungary  Proper.  4.  Croatia. 

2.  Transylvania.  5.  The  Military  Frontier. 

3.  Slavonia.  6.  Dalmatia. 

1.  HUNGARY  PROPER, 

Comprises  about  eleven  millions  of  inhabitants. 
a.  LOWER  HUNGARY, 


,  on  the  Danube,  at  .the  foot  of  the  Carpathian 
mountains,  \$  tbo  most  beautiful  city  of  Hungary, 


EUROPE.  305 

its  former  capital,  with  45,000  inhabitants.  Here  peace  was 
concluded  in  1805,  between  France  and  Austria.  It  is  noted 
for  its  ancient  churches  and  manufactures. 

OEDENBURG,  near  lake  Newsiedler,  in  a  delightful  region,  surrounded  by 
vineyards,  has  a  considerable  cattle  trade,  and  manufactures  much  vine. 
Population  15,000. 

COMORN,  a  strongly  fortified  town  on  the  Danube,  with  con- 
siderable trade  in  corn,  wine  and  timber.  Population  20,000. 

BUDA  or  OPEN,  is  a  strongly  fortified  city  on  the  Danube, 
noted  for  its  extensive  royal  castle  and  considerable  wine  cul- 
ture. Population  45,000. 

PESTH,  on  the  Danube,  opposite  Buda,  with  which  it  is 
united  by  a  bridge,  is  the  most  commercial  city  of  Hungary, 
with  a  university  and  observatory,  situated  on  the  Blocksberg 
mountain,  and  90,000  inhabitants. 

SCIIEMNITZ  and  KREMNITZ,  two  towns  at  the  foot  of  the  Carpathian  moun- 
tains, are  noted  for  their  gold  and  silver  mines. 

b.  UPPER  HUNGARY. 
ERLA.U,  in  a  charming  valley,  has  great  wine  culture. 

TOKAY,  on  the  river  Theiss,  is  famed  for  its  excellent  wines, 
the  best  in  Hungary. 

Near  the  village  Szelicze,  northwest  of  Tokay,  is  a  remarkable  cave,  in 
which  it  is  warm  in  winter,  but  quite  cold  in  the  hottest  summer  days. 

DEBRECZIN,  next  to  Pesth  the  greatest  commercial  and  the 
most  extensive  manufacturing  city  of  Hungary.  Population 
60,000. 

MUNKACS,  with  a  remarkable  mountain  castle,  now  used  as  a  prison. 

SZEGEDIN,  a  fortified  city  on  the  Theiss,  has  considerable 
commerce  and  great  tobacco  manuractures.  Population  35,000. 
Turtles  are  caught  in  the  contiguous  morasses. 

THERESIENSTADT,  1 10  miles  southeast  of  Pesth,  with  leather 
manufactures,  considerable  trade,  and  45,000  inhabitants. 

TEMESVAR,  distant  from  Pesth  170  miles,  carries  on  a  considerable  trade. 
It  is  strongly  fortified.  Population  44,000. 

2.  TRANSYLVANIA,  (Siebcnburgen,) 

Is  encompassed  and  penetrated  by  the  Carpathian  mountains, 
and  is  therefore  quite  a  mountainous  region.  Its  mountains 
are  thickly  overgrown  with  wood  and  its  valleys  are  fertile. 

CLAUSENBURG,  the  capital,  is  situated  in  a  beautiful  valley 
and  numbers  24,000  inhabitants.  Upon  a  rock,  near  the  city, 
a  palace  is  erected. 


806  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

HERMANSTADT  is  the  finest  city  in  Transylvania,  with  re- 
markable churches,  literary  institutions,  important  manu- 
factures, and  21,000  inhabitants. 

KRONSTADT  is  the  chief  manufacturing  city,  and  the  empo- 
rium of  the  Grand-dukedom,  with  30,000  inhabitants. 

The  southern  part  of  Transylvania  is  inhabited  by  the  descendants  of  the 
Saxons,  who  settled  here  in  the  12th  century.  They  yet  retain  their  German 
mother  tongue. 

3.  THE  KINGDOM  OF  SLAVONIA, 

Has  an  exceedingly  mild  climate,  but  abounds  in  large  bogs  and  morasses. 

ESSEK,  a  fortified  city  on  the  Drave,  situated  in  a  sickly, 
marshy  region,  has  considerable  trade. 

POSEGA  is  noted  for  its  tobacco  and  wines. 

4.  THE  KINGDOM  OF  CROATIA, 

Lies  west  of  Slavouia,  stretches  from  the  Drave  to  the  Adriatic,  and  exhibits 
rather  a  mountainous  surface. 

ACRAM,  the  capital  of  Croatia  and  residence  of  the  royal 
Governor  of  Croatia  and  Slavonia,  with  20,000  inhabitants. 

WARASDIN,  on  the  Drave,  has  noted  warm  baths. 
FIUME,  on  a  bay  of  the  Adriatic,  has  considerable  trade. 

5,    THE  MILITARY   FRONTIER, 

Comprises  the  strip  of  country  extending  along  the  Turkish 
border  from  the  Adriatic  to  Galicia  and  encompassing  Croatia, 
Slavonia,  Hungary  and  Transylvania.  This  territory  has  a 
peculiar  military  constitution  of  its  own.  All  the  male  pop- 
ulation are  soldiers. 

GRADISKA  and  BROOD,  are  strong  fortifications  on  the  Save, 
PETERWARDEIN,  on  the  Danube,  is  noted  as  one   of  the 
strongest  fortifications  of  the  Austrian  Empire. 

CARLOWITZ,  noted  for  its  wines,  fisheries  and  trade,  Here  peace  was  con- 
cluded with  Turkey  in  1699. 

SEMLIN,  on  the  Danube,  opposite  Belgrade,  is  the  centre  of 
trade  between  Turkey  and  the  Austrian  Empire. 

6..  THE  KINGDOM  OF  DALMATIA. 

This  is  only  a  small  piece  of  territory,  located  along  the 
Adriatic  coast.  The  inhabitants  are  rude,  uncivilized  and 
piratical,  but  brave,  and  live  in  great  indigence. 

ZARA,  the  capital,  is  situated  in  an  unhealthy  region  upon,  an 


EUROPE.  SOT 

island  of  the  Adriatic,  which  is  united  by  bridges  to  the  main- 
land.    It  has  a  fine  harbor  and  a  lively  trade. 

SPALATRO,  RAGCJSA  and  CATTARO,  are  fortified  towns  with  good  harbors. 
Ragusa  was  formerly  the  capital  of  a  small  republic  of  the  same  name. 


EUROPEAN  TURKEY. 

Area,  209,000  square  miles,     Population  16,440,000. 

Turkey  formerly  was  the  seat  of  the  Eastern  or  Greek 
empire,  but  was  conquered  by  the  Turks,  in  1453,  and  has 
ever  since  remained  in  their  possession.  The  Mohammedans, 
after  the  conquest  of  Constantinople,  made  it  the  centre  of 
their  dominions,  and  during  the  16th  century  they  attained 
to  the  height  of  their  power,  and  became  even  the  terror  of 
Christian  Europe.  Since  that  period  the  Turkish  power  has 
been  gradually  declining,  and  so  feeble  has  it  now  become, 
that  but  for  the  jealousies  of  the  other  European  nations,  the 
Mohammedans  would  long  ere  this  have  been  driven  beyond 
the  borders  of  Europe. 

European  Turkey  is  bounded  north  by  the  Hungarian 
States  and  Galicia,  east  by  Russia,  the  Black  Sea,  the  sea  of 
Marmora,  the  Dardanelles  and  the  Archipelago ;  south  by  the 
sea  of  Marmora,  the  Archipelago  and  Greece;  and  west  by  the 
Adriatic  and  Dalmatia. 

Surface,  $c. — Ranges  of  the  Alps,  continuing  through 
southern  Germany,  penetrate  Turkey  as  far  as  the  Black  Sea. 
The  principal  range  of  these  is  the  Balkan,  called  anciently 
the  Ha^mus  mountains,  from  which  the  Despot o  Dagh'biauch- 
es  southward.  West  of  these  a  second  range  branches,  called 
the  Hellenic  mountains,  which  penetrate  south  into  Greece, 
The  soil  is  very  fertile,  with  the  exception  of  some  mountainr 
ous  districts. 

The  mountains  of  this  range,  celebrated  in  Grecian  story,  are  Athos,  Pin- 
dus,  Olympus,  Ossa  and  Pelion. 

Rivers. — The  Danube,  the  principal  river,  receives  the  Save 
on  the  frontier  of  Hungary,  and  the  Morava  from  the  south, 
and  flows  into  the  Black  Sea.  The  Maritza,  the  ancient 
Ilebrus,  rises  in  the  Balkan  mountains  and  empties  into  the 
Archipelago.  The  Salambria,  formerly  called  the  Peneus, 


308  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

flows  through  the  delightful  vale  of  Tempe,  between  Mounts 
Olympus  and  Ossa,  into  the  gulf  of  Salonica. 

Climate. — In  that  part  of  Turkey,  north  of  the  Balkan,  it 
is  often  quite  cold  in  winter,  and  considerable  .snow  falls, 
especially  upon  the  mountains.  South  of  the  Balkan  there 
is  little  or  no  winter,  and  in  summer  it  is  excessively  warm, 
except  upon  the  coast,  where  the  heat  is  moderated  by  the 
sea  breezes. 

Products. — The  chief  products  are  Indian  corn,  wheat,  bar- 
ley, rice,  cotton  and  tobacco.  Cotton  and  tobacco  flourish 
best  in  Macedonia.  Beautiful  horses  are  raised,  especially  in 
Albania;  asses,  mules,  goats,  and  sheep  with  extremely  fine 
wool — and  these  latter  graze  upon  the  mountains  of  Mace- 
donia. But  few  swine  are  raised,  as  the  Turkish  religion 
prohibits  the  use  of  pork. 

Minerals. — The  mineral  kingdom  yields  meerschaum  clay, 
chalk  and  asbestus. 

Manufactures. — Turkey  is  distinguished  as  regards  some 
branches  of  manufactures,  especially  in  the  articles  of  leather, 
carpets  and  cotton  goods.  Silks  are  manufactured  at  Saloni- 
ca, Seres  and  Larissa.  Embroidery  is  extensively  carried  on 
by  females  in  the  southern  provinces. 

Commerce. — The  Turkish  commerce  is  considerable,  but 
is  carried  on  chiefly  by  foreigners,  and  is  mostly  confined  to 
the  port  of  Constantinople.  The  articles  of  export  embrace 
principally  cotton,  grain,  tobacco,  silk,  wines,  horses  and  cat- 
tle; and  the  imports  consist  chiefly  of  manufactured  goods. 

Education, — The  Turks  favor  the  general  diffusion  of  in- 
telligence amongst  their  people,  as  is  evident  from  their  adop- 
tion of  the  compulsory  system,  which  requires  all  the  Mo- 
hammedan children  over  6  years  of  age  to  attend  school.  In 
1846  the  Sultan  founded  a  university  at  Constantinople,  on 
the  plan  of  the  European  institutions  of  this  kind.  Many  of 
the  wealthier  families  of  Turkey  have,  of  late,  sent  their  sons 
to  the  universities  of  Vienna,  Berlin  and  Paris. 

Inhabitants. — The  inhabitants  are  composed  of  Turks, 
Greeks,  Armenians,  Wallachians,  Jews,  Albanians  and  Gip- 
sies. The  Turks  are  Mohammedans,  and  the  rest  of  the  in- 
habitants, except  the  Jews  and  Gipsies,  are  Greek  Christians. 
The  followers  of  Mohammed  call  themselves  Musselmen,  to 
whom  the  Koran  is  the  rule  of  faith.  Their  churches  are  called 
mosques^  and  their  towers  minarets,  The  clerical  superior 


EUROPE.  309 

bears  the  name  Mufti,  and  the  monks  are  styled  dervises.  The 
government  is  despotic,  and  the  emperor,  who  is  termed  the 
Sultan,  sways  the  sceptre.  The  great  council  of  the  nation 
bears  the  name  of  the  Divan,  in  which  the  Grand  Vizier 
exercises  the  presidency. 

The  Turks  are  handsome  and  of  fine  stature,  have 
keen  eyes,  and  a  proud,  imperious  demeanor.  When  influ- 
enced by  passion,  they  become  extremely  lively,  but  relapse 
into  a  state  of  stupidity  almost,  when  their  passion  has  sub- 
sided. The  turban  is  a  conspicuous  part  of  their  dress,  and 
is  made  of  a  piece  of  fine  linen  or  silk,  folded  many  times 
around  a  cap. 

DIVISIONS. 

The  provinces  are  divided  into  those  which  are  governed 
directly  by  the  Sultan,  and  those  simply  tributary. 
Of  the  former  class  are  : 

1.  Ronmelia.  4.  Macedonia.  G.  Thessaly; 

2.  Bulgaria.  5.  Albania.  7.  The  Islands. 
8.  Bosnia. 

Of  the  tributary  are : 
8.  Servia.  9.  Wallaehia.  10.  Moldavia. 

The  tributary  provinces  number  about  five  million  inhabi- 
tants and  are  governed  by  their  own  rulers,  called  Hospodars, 
who  pay  an  annual  tribute  to  the  Sultan.  No  Mohammedan 
is  permitted  to  reside  in  these  provinces,  nor  are  Turkish 
merchants  allowed  to  trade  in  them  without  special  permis- 
sion. 

1.  ROUMELIA,  (the  ancient  Thracia.) 

CONSTANTINOPLE,  (formerly  Byzantium,)  conquered  by  the 
Turks  in  1 45 3,under  Mohammed  II.  and  called  Stamboul  by  the 
Turks,  is  situated  on  the  Bosphorus,  and  is  the  capital  of 
Turkey  and  the  residence  of  the  Sultan,  with  1,000,000  in- 
habitants. The  most  noted  objects  of  interest  in  this  city 
are  :  1.  The  Seraglio,  the  walls  of  which  are  four  miles  in  cir- 
cumference and  which  contain  many  mosques,  extensive 
gardens  and  edifices.  The  principal  entrance  is  the  great 
marble  gate,  from  which  the  Court  of  the  Sultan  derives  the 
name  of  the  Porte  or  the  Sublime  Porte.  One  part  of  the  Se- 
raglio is  called  the  Harem,  which  is  the  apartment  of  the 
women  belonging  to  the  Sultan.  2.  The  church  of  St.  Sophia, 


310  CffiaORAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

the  oldest  of  all  existing  Christian  churches,  built  in  the  year 
532,  by  the  emperor  Justinian,  and  which  is  now  the  most 
distinguished  and  celebrated  of  the  Turkish  mosques.  3. 
The  bazaars  or  vaults  of  the  merchants  and  various  mechan- 
ics in  the  centre  of  the  city.  The  harbor  of  Constanti- 
nople, 4  miles  long,  is  excellent,  and  in  this  floats  the  imperi- 
al navy*  This  city  was  founded  by  Constantine  the  great, 
the  first  Christian  emperor* 

GALATA  and  PERA  are  suburbs  of  the  capital  on  the  opposite  side  of  the 
harbor.  Pera  is  the  residence  of  the  European  embassadors. 

ADRIANOPLE,  on  the  Maritza,  is  next  to  Constantinople,  the 
largest  city  of  Turkey.  She  has  a  splendid  mosque,  the  most 
important  silk  manufactures  in  the  empire,  and  140,000  in- 
habitants. Peace  was  concluded  here  in  1829,  between  Rus- 
sia and  Turkey.  This  city  was  the  residence  of  ihe  Turkish 
sultan,  from  1360  to  the  fall  of  Constantinople  in  1453. 

PHILIPPOPLE,  also  on  the  Maritza,  with  leather  and  silk 
manufactures,  and  40,000  inhabitants, 

GALLIPOLI,  on  the  strait  of  the  Hellespont,  has  fine  morocco 
manufactures,  considerable  commerce,  and  a  population  of 
40,000.  This  was  the  first  place  conquered  by  the  Turks  in 
1355,  after  their  landing  in  Europe*  The  Dardanelles  are 
four  castles,  two  erected  upon  each  side  of  the  strait  to  com- 
mand its  passage. 

RODOSTO,  on  the  Marmora  sea,  with  vine  culture,  considerable  commerce, 
and  16,000  inhabitants. 

2.  BULGARIA,  (the  ancient  Lower  Moesia.) 

SOPHIA  is  a  large  and  scatteringly  built  city,  at  the  foot  of 
a  pass  in  the  Balkan  mountains,  with  noted  leather  manu- 
factures and  50,000  inhabitants. 

SHUMLA,  a  fortified  city  at  the  foot  of  the  Balkan  moun- 
tains, with  silk  manufactures  and  a  population  of  30,000. 
This  place  has  been  three  times  unsuccessfully  besieged  by 
the  Russians. 

VARNA,  on  the  Black  sea,  is  also  strongly  fortified  and  carries  on  a  con- 
siderable trade.  Population  20,000. 

WIDDIN,  NICOPOLI,  RUSTSCHUK  and  SILISTRIA,  are  strongly  fortified  cities 
on  the  Danube,  each  containing  from  20,000  to  30,000  inhabitants. 

3.  BOSNIA,  (part  of  Pannonia.) 

BOSNA  SERAI  is  the  emporium  of  Bosnia,  with  extensive 
iron  and  steel  manufactures.  Population  68,000. 


EUROPE.  311 

BANJALUKA,  a  fortified  city  -with  mineral  springs,  considerable  trade,  and 
15,000  inhabitants. 

ZWORNIK,  likewise  a  fortified  city,  with  much  trade.     Population  14,000. 

TRAVNiKhas  12,000  inhabitants;  Potshitatz  12,000  and  Mostar  10,000; 
and  Trebigno  10,000. 

4.  MACEDONIA. 

SALONICA,  the  ancient  Thessalonica,  to  the  Christians  ol 
which  city  St.  Paul  addressed  his  two  epistles.  It  is  situated 
on  the  bay  of  the  same  name,  and  is,  after  Constantinople, 
the  greatest  commercial  city  in  European  Turkey.  Much 
cotton,  tobacco  and  silk  are  exported,  and  it  is  noted  for  its 
carpet  manufactures.  Population  70,000. 

SERES,  is  situated  in  a  charming  valley,  in  which  much 
cotton  is  cultivated.  Population  30,000. 

FILIBE,  anciently  called  PHILIPPI,  on  the  border  of  Rou- 
melia,  is  noted  as  the  city  to  the  Christians  of  which'St.  Paul 
directed  his  two  Epistles,  and  also  for  the  defeat  of  Brutus 
and  Cassius,  42  Ante  Christum. 

In  Macedonia,  Mount  Athos  is  situated,  which  on  account  of  the  number 
of  convents  and  monasteries  built  thereon,  has  been  called  the  Holy  moun- 
tain, It  contains  over  twenty  monasteries,  surrounded  with  walls,  in  which 
are  found  Monks  from  almost  all  nations,  who  are  engaged  in  various  occu- 
pations. 

5.  ALBANIA. 

This  province  is  very  mountainous. 

SKUTARI,  a  fortified  city  on  a  lake  of  the  same  name,  has 
a  considerable  trade  in  ship  timber.  Population  20,000. 

DURAZZO,  the  ancient  DYRRACHICM,  is  a  seaport,  situated  in  an  unhealthy 
region. 

JANINA,  situated  in  a  fine  region,  on  a  lake  of  the  same 
name,  has  a  fortified  castle,  excellent  morocco  manufactures, 
and  10,000  inhabitants,  who  carry  on  an  extensive  trade. 

ARTA,  near  the  Gulf  of  Arta,  has  a  citadel  and  considerable  trade.  Oppo- 
site the  entrance  to  this  bay  is  situated  the  promontory  of  Actium,  in  the 
vicinity  of  which  Octavius  Augustus  gained  the  remarkable  naval  victory 
over  his  rival  Anthony,  in  the  year  31,  B.  C. 

G.  THESSALY, 

LARISSA,  situated  on  the  river  Salambria,  has  important 
dyeries  and  morocco  manufactures,  with  25,000  inhabitants. 

TRIKALA,  is  situated  among  a  chain  of  hills.  Here  much 
cotton  is  cultivated.  A  mountain  pass  leads  from  this  place 
to  Albania. 


12  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND   BOOK. 

AMBELAKIA,  at  the  entrance  into  the  romantic  yale  of  Tempe,  with  dyeriea 
of  Turkish  Red. 

7.  THE  ISLANDS. 

The  most  important  of  these  are : 

TASO  or  THASOS,  on  the  south  coast  of  Macedonia,  remar- 
kable for  its  marble,  wine  and  wood. 

STALIMENE  or  LEMNOS,  remarkable  for  the  Lemnian  clay 
exported  for  a  medicine. 

SANTORIN,  which  is  fertile,  and  abounds  in  wine.  l 

CANDIA,  the  ancient  Crete,  numbers  150,000  inhabitants. 
It  is  full  of  mountains  and  a  chain  of  these  runs  through  the 
island  from  east  to  west,  in  which  the  famous  labyrinth  is 
found,  the  intricate  windings  of  which  can  yet  be  followed 
for  thousands  of  feet.  Oil  and  wood  are  the  most  important 
articles  of  export. 

CANDIA,  the  capital,  is  strongly  fortified,  with  12,000  in- 
habitants. 

CANEA  is  an  important  commercial  port.  I 

8.    SERVIA. 

The  inhabitants  of  this  province  are  a  rude,  brave  and 
courageous  people,  who  have  possessed  sufficient  shrewdness 
to  secure  many  liberties  from  the  Sublime  Porte. 

BELGRADE  is  a  strongly  fortified  city  at  the  confluence  or 
the  Save  and  the  Danube,  and  is  the  centre  of  trade  between 
Hungary  and  Turkey.  It  is  noted  for  its  numerous  manu- 
factures. Population  30,000. 

SEMENDRIA,  18  miles  below  Belgrade  on  the  Danube,  was 
the  former  residence  of  the  Servian  kings,  and  is  noted  for 
its  excellent  wines  and  trade.  Population  10,000, 

PRISTINA,  a  fortified  town,  noted  as  the  birth  place  of  the  emperor  Jus-^ 
tinian. 

North  of  this  lies  the  plain  called  Blackbird  Field,  famous  for  the  two 
victories  of  the  Turks,  of  1389  and  1449. 

9.  WALLACHIA, 

Embraces  generally  a  fertile  soil  and  rich  pastures. 

BUKAREST  (city  of  peace,)  is  a  meanly  built  city  with  un- 
paved  streets.  It  is  the  seat  of  the  Hospodar,  and  has  many 
stately  public  edifices,  and  100,000  inhabitants. 

BRAIL  A  or  IBRAHIL,  a  fortified  city  on  the  Danube,  with 
30,000  inhabitants ;  she  carries  on  a  considerable  commerce. 


EtJROPE.  313 

GIUROBWO,  38  miles  rrom  Bukarest,  has  considerable  inland  trade,  and 
18,000  inhabitants. 

10.  MOLDAVIA. 

The  soil  of  this  province  is  likewise  fertile  and  abounds  in 
excellent  pastures.  Much  grain  and  wine  are  cultivated  here, 
and  great  numbers  of  horses,  oxen  and  sheep  exported. 

JASSY  is  a  smaller  town,  and  as  miserably  built  as  Bukarest. 
It  is  also  the  residence  of  the  Hospodar,  and  has  considera- 
ble trade  arid  60,000  inhabitants. 

•  GALATZ  is  a  lively  trading  city,  situated  at  the  confluence 
of  the  Pruth  and  Danube.  It  may  be  regarded  as  the  empo- 
riunrof  Moldavia  and  Wallachia.  Population  36,000. 


GREECE. 

Area  19,000  square  miles.     Population  1,067,000. 

Greece  was  one  of  the  celebrated  States  of  antiquity.  She 
is  noted  for  being  the  cradle  ot  the  arts,  science  and  litera- 
ture, and  also  for  having  given  birth  to  the  most  celebrated 
poets,  orators,  artists  and  philosophers  that  the  world  has  ever 
seen.  Her  historians  and  poets  have  been  regarded  as  the 
purest  models  for  all  coming  ages,  and  to-day  the  sublime 
strains  of  Homer  remain  unrivalled.  Ancient  Continental 
Greece  was  called  Hellas,  and  the  peninsula  of  Morea  was 
known  by  the  name  of  Peloponnesus  ;  the  former  comprised 
Attica,  Boatia  and  ^Etolia,  and  the  latter  Laconia,  Messenia 
and  Arcadia.  About  the  year  146,  B.  C.,  Greece  was  annexed 
to  the  Roman  empire,  and  from  395,  A.  D.,  it  composed  a 
constituent  part  of  the  Eastern  Empire,  until  the  fall  of  Con- 
stantinople, in  1453,  after  which  time  Greece  also  came  un- 
der the  power  of  the  Turks,  and  so  remained  until  the  late 
revolution  of  1821,  which  severed  it  from  the  Turkish  domin- 
ion, and  established  it  as  an  independent  nation. 

Greece  is  bounded  north  by  Turkey,  east  by  the  Archipe- 
lago, and  south  and  west  by  the  Mediterranean. 

Surface,  #c. — The  general  aspect  of  Greece  is  mountain- 
ous, and  its  arable  soil  of  limited  extent.  Much  of  the  soil 
under  cultivation  is  thin,  and  grudgingly  rewards  the  hus- 
bandman for  his  toil ;  but  there  are  some  beautiful  plains 
and  districts  of  great  fertility.  In  Livadia  are  seen  the  noted 
mounts  Parnassus  and  Helicon,  from  the  summit  of  the  form- 

o 


CtEOGRAPHIdAL  HAND  BOOK. 

er  of  which  a  magnificent  view  of  nearly  all  Hellas,  the  Co- 
rinthian Gulf,  and  the  northern  part  of  Morea,  is  obtained. 

Rivers. — Owing  to  the  small  extent  of  the  country,  no 
rivers  of  importance  are  here  met  with.  The  Aspropotamo 
is  the  largest  river  of  Greece,  rising  in  Albania  on  the  west 
slope  of  the  Pindus  and  emptying  into  the  Ionian  sea.  On 
the  opposite  sides  of  the  isthmus  of  Corinth  are  the  gulfs  of 
Lepanto  and  Egina. 

Climate — The  atmosphere  is  said  to  be  indescribably  love- 
ly. The  climate  is  temperate,  but  diversified  according  to 
the  elevation  of  the  surface.  It  is  very  healthy  and  favorable 
to  longevity,  many  instances  of  which  exist  both  in  ancient 
and  modern  times.  The  climate  is  exquisitely  charming 
upon  the  Grecian  islands. 

Products. — The  products  are  wines  of  the  choicest  quali- 
ties, raisins,  currants,  figs  and  olives,  all  of  which  are  pro- 
duced here  in  great  abundance.  The  growing  of  silk  and 
the  bee-culture  are  objects  of  considerable  attention. 

Manufactures. — The  manufactures  already  established  are 
small  in  extent,  and  embrace  chiefly  those  of  carpets,  canvass 
and  Morocco  leather.  The  weaving  of  woolen  and  cotton 
goods,  and  the  embroidery  of  gold,  silver  and  silk,  occupies 
much  attention.  Ship  building  is  likewise  carried  on  exten- 
sively. 

Education. — Education  was  until  recently  in  a  miserable 
condition,  except  upon  some  of  the  islands  where  the  mis- 
sionaries had  introduced  a  better  system  of  instruction. 
With  King  Otho  came  a  number  of  German  scholars  to 
Greece,  who  attempted  to  advance  the  cause  of  education,  but 
they  were  afterwards  driven  from  the  country.  In  1837  a 
university  was  founded  at  Athens  on  the  German  plan. 
Greece  is,  however,  at  this  time  making  respectable  progress  in 
the  cause  of  education. 

Inhabitants.— The,  Greeks  are  known  from  ancient  times 
as  an  active,  brave  and  vigorous  people,  amongst  whom  the 
arts  and  sciences  once  flourished ;  but  under  Ottoman  op- 
pression, from  which  they  freed  themselves  in  1829,  much  of 
their  ancient  glory  disappeared.  Their  language  has  yet 
great  similarity  to  the  ancient  classic  Greek,  and  they  belong 
to  the  Greek  Catholic  Church.  The  present  king  is 
Otho  L,  who  has  swayed  the  Grecian  sceptre  since  1832. 
The  king  is  circumscribed  in  his  authority  by  a  constitutional 
compact. 


EUROPE.  315 

DIVISIONS. 

Greece  consists  of  Livadia,  the  peninsula  of  Morea  and 
some  islands. 

1.  LIVADIA,  (ANCIENT  HELLAS.) 

No  large  cities  are  found  in  this  part  of  Greece ;  but  the 
ruins  of  many  renowned  in  antiquity  are  worthy  of  note; 

MISSOLONGHI,  a  small  but  strongly  fortified  town,  near  the 
gulf  of  Lepanto,  is  celebrated  for  the  brave  defense  of  the 
Greeks  in  1826.  Here  Lord  Byron  died,  April  19th,  1824. 

Near  this  place  in  1823,  a  Turkish  army  was  defeated  by  a  Small  Greek 
force  under  Marco  Bozzaris,|who  fell  in  the  action. 

LEPANTO,  a  fortified  city  on  the  gulf  of  the  same  name,  the  entrance  to 
which  is  defended  by  two  castles,  called  the  Small  Dardanelles. 

ZEITDN,  in  the  vicinity  of  the  pass  of  Thermopylae^  holds  a  largely  fre- 
quented fair  annually. 

KASTRI,  formerly  DELPHIC  where  the  responses  of  the  famous  oracle  were 
taken. 

LIVADIA,  carries  on  a  considerable  trade,  especially  in  grain  j  much 
church  ale  is  made  here,  and  there  are  many  dyeing  establishments. 

Near  this  is  the  village  of  KAPREWA,  the  renowned  ancient  CHERONEA; 

THIVA,  once  the  large  and  celebrated  city  of  THEBES,  is  now  an  unimpor- 
tant village. 

ATHENS,  formerly  the  most  celebrated  city  in  the  world, 
contains  the  citadel  called  the  Acropolis.  Some  of  the  ruins 
of  its  ancient  glory  are  yet  to  be  found.  It  has  again  become 
the  capital  and  residence  of  the  king,  and  has  a  royal  palace^ 
a  university,  a  military  school  and  35,000  inhabitants.  The 
Pirffius,  the  harbor  of  Athens,  is  united  to  the  capital  by  a 
fine  macadamized  road.  The  vicinity  yields  olives  and 
honey  in  abundance.  Some  miles  northeast  lies  the  plain 
of  Marathon,  where  the  celebrated  battle  was  fought  against 
the  Persians,  490  Ante  Christum. 

2.  THE  MOREA, 

Called  formerly  Peloponnesus,  (the  island  of  Pelops.) 

This  peninsula  is  in  some  places  very  fertile,  producing 
pomegranates,  citrons,  figs  and  other  excellent  fruits.  In  the 
western  part,  some  miles  west  of  Patras,  the  celebrated 
Olympic  games  were  held. 

CORINTH,  on  the  isthmus  which  unites  the  Morea  with  Livadia,  was  once 
a  powerful  city  containing  300,000  inhabitants,  but  is  now  in  ruins,  hav- 
ing been  destroyed  by  an  earthquake  in  1858.  It  was  to  the  Christians  of 
this  city  that  St.  Paul  wrote  his  two  Epistles. 

PATRAS,  a  fortified  town  on  the  gulf  of  the  same  name, 
has  an  active  trade.     Population  12,000. 
TRIPOLIZZA,  stands  near  the  centre  of  the  Morea.    It  is  a 


316  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND   BOOK. 

new  town,  built  in  the  Turkish  style,  and  suffered  severely 
during  the  late  Grecian  revolution. 

NAUPLIA  or  NAPOLI  DI  ROMANIA,  is  a  considerable  com- 
mercial town,  with  the  strong  fortress  of  Palamedes,  situated 
on  a  rock,  called  the  Gibraltar  of  the  Archipelago. 

MISTRA  or  MISITRA,  situated  six  miles  from  the  ruins  of  ancient  Sparta. 
'The  culture  of  silk  and  the  working  of  iron  are  here  great  branches  of  in- 
dustry. In  the  rugged  and  almost  inaccessible  mountains  lying  south  of 
Mistra  dwell  the  Mainotes  so  called  from  the  village  of  Maina,  the  descen- 
dants of  the  ancient  Spartans. 

EPII>AURUS  or  NAPOLI  DI  MALVASIA,  a  fortified  town  upon  a  rocky  island, 
is  united  to  the  main  land  by  a  bridge.  The  Malvasey  wine  made  in  the  vi- 
cinity is  celebrated. 

KORON,  MODON  and  NEW  NAVARINO,  arc  three  fortified  cities  upon  the  coast. 
In  the  bay  of  Navarino,  the  Turco-Egyptian  fleet  was,  in  1827,  almost  an- 
nihilated. 

3.  THE  ISLANDS. 

NEGROPONTJ  EGRIPO  or  EUBCEA,  the  largest  island  in  the 
Archipelago,  is  separated  by  a  small  strait  from  Livadia.  On 
this' strait  the  city  of  Egripo  is  builtj  and  is  united  to  the  main 
land  by  a  bridge. 

SKYRO  has  many  craggy  cliffs,  but  also  fertile  valleys. 

SALAMIS  lies  opposite  the  city  of  Athens  and  is  remarkable  for  the  naval 
battle  fought  here,  480,  13.  C. 

EGINA  and  POROS  lie  south  of  Salamis,  and  are  both  situated  in  the  bay  of 
Egina. 

HYDRA.  The  inhabitants  of  this  island  are  excellent  seamen 
and  distinguished  themselves  in  the  war  against  the  Turks. 

SPEZZIA  has  also  excellent  seamen  and  carries  on  a  considerable  trade. 

ANDROS  is  the  most  beautiful  and  fertile  island  in  the 
Archipelago.  Silk  growing  and  the  rearing  of  bees  are  ob- 
jects of  industry. 

NAXIA  or  NAXOS,  is  very  productive  in  wines  and  choice 
fruits. 

SYRA  is  mountainous,  but  produces  cotton,  wine  and  the  tropical  fruits,  in 
abundance. 

PAROS,  noted  for  its  excellent  white  marble. 

ANTIPAROS  contains  the  celebrated  Grotto,  one  of  the  most  remarkable  in 
the  world. 

MILO  has  an  unhealthy  climate,  but  produces  oil,  cotton  and  the  tropical 
fruits. 


ITALY. 

Area  120,000  square  miles.     Population  25,000,000. 
Italy  is  the  seat  of  the  ancient  Roman  Empire  and  one  of 
the  most  interesting  countries  of  the  world.    Rome  (whose 


EUROPE.  3  It 

history  is  that  of  Italy,)  was  founded  by  Romulus,  753,  A. 
C.,  and  it  continued  to  be  ruled  by  kings  until  510,  when 
it  was  changed?  into  a  republic,  and  this  form  of  government 
lasted  until  the  year  45,  A.  C.  It  was  after  that  period  altered 
into  an  imperial  government,  which  continued  until  Romu- 
lus Augustulus,  the  last  Roman  Emperor,  was  dethroned, 
476,  A.  D.,  by  Odoacer,  the  leader  of  the  Heruli,  a  German 
tribe.  The  states  of  the  church,  the  temporal  seat  of  the 
Romish  hierarchy,  had  their  origin  in  the  defeat  of  the  Lom- 
bards, by  Pepin  the  Little,  who  compelled  these  in  775  to 
cede  to  the  holy  seat  the  maritime  country  lying  upon  the 
Adriatic,  which  has  from  that  time  remained  the  temporal 
heritage  of  the  Pope.  Italy  has  passed  through  numerous 
wars  and  revolutions,  and  is  now  becoming  consolidated 
into  a  united  kingdom  under  the  name  of  the  "  kingdom  of 
Italy  "  with  Victor  Emanuel  as  its  sovereign. 

Italy  is  bounded  north  by  Switzerland  and  Austria,  and  is 
washed  on  the  east  by  the  Adriatic,  and  on  the  West  by  the 
Mediterranean. 

Surface. — The  Alps,  under  different  names  form  the  princi- 
pal part  of  the  northern  and  western  boundary  of  the  Italian 
peninsula.  The  Maritime  Alps  extend  from  the  coast  on  the 
Mediterranean  to  Monte  Visco ;  the  Cottian  commence 
here  and  run  to  Mont  Cenis ;  thence  the  Groian  to  the 
Great  St.  Bernard  ;  from  thence  the  Pennine,  the  Lepontine 
and  the  Rhaetian  Alps,  range  on  the  borders  of  Switzerland  ; 
andj  the  Tyrolese,  the  Carnic  and  the  Julian  stretch  along  the 
frontier  of  Germany.  This  continuous  chain  encompasses 
Italy  in  the  form  of  a  half  moon. 

MONT  BLANC,  15,666  feet  high,  the  loftiest  mountain  in 
Europe,  and  the  Little  St. Bernard,  are  individual  mountains 
of  this  chain.  The  Apennines  branch  on  the  frontiers  of 
France,  from  the  Maritime  Alps  and  stretch  through  the 
centre  of  Italy. 

VESUVIUS,  in  southern  Italy,  and  ETNA  upon  the  island  of 
Sicily  are  volcanoes. 

Soil. — Between  the  mountains  of  Italy  lie  valleys,  remar- 
kable for  their  romantic  scenery,  and  the  fertility  of  their 
soil.  In  the  north  of  Italy  is  a  vast  plain,  enclosed  by  the 
Alps  and  Apennines  and  stretching  to  the  shores  of  the 
Adriatic.  This  vast  plain  is  composed  of  a  soil  of  unsur- 
passed fertility.  Much  of  southern  Italy  is  very  fertile. 

Elvers. — The  Po,  the  largest  river  of  the  peninsula,  forms 


318  GEOGRAPEIOAfc  HAND  BOOK. 

the  boundary  between  the  former  Lombardo- Venetian  king- 
dom on  the  one  side,  and  Parma,  Modena  and  the  States  of 
the  Church  on  the  other,  and  afterwards  empties  into  the 
Adriatic.  It  rise  in  the  Cottian  Alps,  and  receives  in  its 
course  the  Ticino,  the  Adda,  the  Oglio,  and  the  Mincio,  as 
tributaries.  The  Adige  rises  in  the  Tyrol,  where  it  is  called 
the  Etsch,  and  flows  into  the  Adriatic.  The  Arno  and  the 
Tiber  empty  into  the  Mediterranean. 

Lakes. — The  greatest  inland  lakes  are  Lake  Maggiore, 
through  which  the  river  Ticino  flows  ;  Lake  Lugano,  Lake 
Como,  which  has  the  river  Adda  flowing  through  it ;  Lake 
Iseo,  which  receives  and  afterwards  discharges  the  river 
Oglio ;  and  Lake  Garda,  whence  the  Mincio  takes  its  source. 

In  Lake  Maggiore,  lie  the  beautiful  Borromean  islands, 
known  for  their  variety  of  splendid  scenery. 

Climate. — The  climate  in  general  is  delightful  and  heal- 
thy, except  in  a  few  regions  where  there  are  extensive 
marshes.  The  winters'are  short  and  quite  mild,  and  snow 
seldom  falls  in  the  southern  parts.  The  sirocco  or  hot  wind 
from  Africa  is  very  oppressive  and  stupefying.  As  soon  as 
it  begins  to  blow,  no  person  ventures  out  of  doors  willingly, 
but  rather,  whoever  can,  creeps  into  his  abode.  It  usually 
continues  to  blow  from  14  to  20  days.  Earthquakes  fre- 
quently occur  here,  sometimes  very  violent 

Products. — The  chief  products  are  rice,  wheat,  maize  and 
the  most  excellent  tropical  fruits.  Grapes  are  raised  here  in 
abundance,  and  the  best  of  wine  is  made  in  all  parts 
of  Italy.  Cotton,  olive  oil,  truffles,  capers  and  cork  wood 
are  obtained  in  Italy.  The  cultivation  of  silk,  the  rearing  of 
bees  and  cattle  are  likewise  greatly  attended  to.  In  the 
animal  kingdom  we  note  the  marmot,  the  hoopoe,  the  sala- 
mander, the  tarantula,  the  anchovy,  the  tunny  fish,  the  shark, 
the  torpedo,  and  the  coral ;  and  in  the  mineral  kingdom, 
marble,  sulphur,  puzzolano,  pumice  stone,  Bolognese  spar 
and  sea  salt. 

Manufactures. — Italy  during  the  Middle  Ages  was  noted 
for  her  manufactures,  and  these,  although  less  extensive  than 
formerly,  are  yet  considerable.  The  chief  manufactures  are 
those  of  silks,  leather,  gloves,  paper,  parchment,  artificial 
flowers,  straw  hats,  and  catgut  for  musical  instruments. 

Commerce. — The  commerce  of  Italy  is  considerable,  but 
chiefly  restricted  to  intercourse  with  the  Levant,  The  prin- 
cipal articles  of  export  are  silk,  olive  oil,  oranges,  marble  and 


EUROPE.  319 

fruits,  whilst  the  imports  are  mostly  of  British,  French  and 
German  manufactures. 

Education.— The  northern  part  of  Italy,  such  as  Lombardy, 
Venetia,  Tuscany  and  Parma  surpass  the  other  Italian  coun- 
tries in  the  advancement  they  have  made  in  education.  The 
lower  classes  in  southern  Italy  are  very  ignorant,  and  gene- 
rally averse  to  improvement.  Many  learned  men  are  found 
in  Italy,  who  are  distinguished  for  their  attainments  in  sci- 
ence and  literature. 

Inhabitants — The  Italians  are  lively  and  good  natured, 
but  also  excitable  and  passionate.  Robbery  and  assassina- 
tion are  not  rare  in  Italy,  and  beggary  is  common.  The 
Carnival  is  one  of  the  national  amusements  which  is  held  a 
short  time  before  Lent,  and  every  participant  appears  masqued. 
The  Italian  is  the  prevailing  language,  which,  on  account  of 
its  delightful  euphony,  is  well  adapted  for  poetic  composition, 
of  which  fact  many  remarkable  examples  might  be  cited. 
Some  of  these  are  the  ease  with  which  illiterate  persons,  as 
coachmen,  can  recite  a  great  number  of  stanzas  and  verses 
from  the  poems  of  Tasso,  Ariosto  and  others  of  their  classic 
authors.  The  Italians  are  particularly  distinguished  for  their 
proficiency  in  the  fine  arts,  such  as  statuary,  painting,  archi- 
tecture and  music.  The  established  religion  is  the  Roman 
Catholic.  Nearly  the  whole  of  Italy  is  governed  by  king 
Victor  Emanuel. 

DIVISIONS. 

Italy  is  divided  into  the  following  States, 

IN  UPPER  ITALY : 

1.  The  kingdom  of  Sardinia  proper,  with  the  island  of  Sardinia. 

2.  Lombardy  and  Venetia,  the  northeastern  part. 

3.  The  Duchy  of  Parma,  south  of  the  former. 

4.  The  Duchy  of  Modena,  east  of  Parma. 

IN  CENTRAL  ITALY : 

5.  The  Duchy  of  Lucca,  south  of  Modena. 

6.  The  Grand  Duchy  of  Tuscany,  also  south  of  Modena,  along  the  Medi- 
terranean. 

7.  The  states  of  the  church  east  of  Tuscany. 

8.  The  Republic  of  San  Marino,  in  the  territory  of  the  States  of  the 
church. 

IN  LOWER  ITALY: 

9.  The  kingdom  of  Naples,  comprising  the  whole  southern  part  of  Italy. 
10.  The  British  Italian  islands,  namely,  the  Maltese  and  the  Ionian  isles. 


320  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

I.  KINGDOM  OF  SARDINIA  PROPER. 

Area  29,245  square  miles.     Population  5,292,000. 

This  kingdom  is  divided  into  five  principal  divisions:  1 
The  Duchy  ot  Savoy;   2.  The  principality  of  Piedmont ;  3. 
The  county  of  Nice  or  Nizza ;  4.  The  Duchy  of  Genoa ;  5.  The 
Island  of  Sardinia.     The  ruling  sovereign  is  Victor  Emanuel, 
whose  power  is  limited  by  a  representative  assembly. 
1.  THE  DUCHY  OF  SAVOY, 

Is  a  mountainous  and  unproductive  province.  The  inhabi- 
tants are  obliged  to  peregrinate  into  the  adjoining  provinces,* 
in  order  to  support  themselves  by  small  trafficking  in  various 
articles,  and  by  their  menial  services  in  the  capacity  of  boot- 
blacks, chimney-sweeps  and  waiters.  They  endeavor  to 
spare  a  small  sum  from  their  earnings,  with  which  they  re- 
turn to  their  beloved  home  of  Savoy.  This  province  was  by 
the  late  treaty,  in  1860,  ceded  to  France. 

CHAMBERY,  the  capital  of  Savoy,  is  situated  in  a  delightful 
valley,  with  celebrated  silk  manufactures  and  20,000  inhabi- 
tants. It  contains  an  ancient  castle,  the  former  residence  of 
the  dukes  of  Savoy. 

Aix,  in  the  vicinity  of  Chambery,  is  noted  for  its  mineral 
springs. 

2.  THE  PRINCIPALITY  OF  PIEDMONT, 

Has  a  rich,  fertile  soil,  well  adapted  to  most  agricultural 
products,  and  it  pastures  great  numbers  of  cattle.  No  other 
country  can  compare  with  this  in  its  yield  of  truffles. 

TURIN,  on  the  Po,  encompassed  by  a  range  of  beautiful 
hills,  the  capital  and  residence  of  the  king  and  one  of  the 
most  charming  cities  in  Italy,  has  a  large  royal  palace,  a 
university,  extensive  tobacco  manufactures,  paper  mills,  im- 
portant silk  factories,  a  considerable  trade,  and  200,000 
inhabitants.  The  environs  of  Turin  are  delightful. 

ALESSANDRIA,  the  strongest  fortified  city  in  the  Sardinian 
States^  with  46,000  inhabitants. 

South  of  this  lies  the  village  of  Marengo,  where  Napoleon  gained  his 
celebrated  victory  over  the  Austrians  in  1800. 

VERCELLI,  in  an  unhealthy  locality,  has  many  Gothic  edifices, 
and  18,000  inhabitants. 

PINEROLA,  25  miles  distant  from  Turin,  with  a  beautiful  cathedral,  and 
14,000  inhabitants. 

CUNEO,  at  the  junction  of  the  Gesso  and  Hura,  with  20,000  inhabitants. 

MONDOVI,  46  miles  from  Turin,  noted  for  the  victory  gained  by  Napoleon, 
£2d  April,  1796, 


EUROPE.  321 

CASALB,  37  miles  distant  from  Turin,  has  several  remarkable  palao3S,  a 
cathedral,  and  20,000  inhabitants. 

CUCARRO,  regarded  by  some  as  the  birth  place  of  Columbus. 

ARONA,  on  Lake  Maggiore,  noted  for  the  colossal  statue  of  Charles 
Borromeo,  born  in  1538,  and  distinguished  for  his  Christian  charity. 

3.  THE  COUNTY  OF  NICE. 

This  county  was  by  the  -late  Sardinio-Franco  treaty,  in 
1860,  ceded  to  France. 

NICE,  situated  on  the  Mediterranean,  in  a  delightful  region, 
famed  on  account  of  its  pure  air  and  delightful  atmosphere, 
is  therefore  visited  by  many  travellers  and  invalids.  Popu- 
tion  38,000. 

4.  THE  DUCHY  OF  GENOA, 

Is  a  long  narrow  strip  of  land,  lying  between  the  Apennines 
and  the  sea,  in  the  form  of  a  half  moon. 

GENOA,  a  large,  fortified  and  very  important  commercial 
city,  with  a  university,  a  celebrated  bank,  the  oldest  in 
Europe,  important  silk  manufactures,  and  120,000  inhabi- 
tants. From  the  location  of  the  city,  the  streets,  with  the 
exception  of  three,  are  so  narrow,  gloomy  and  steep  that 
neither  carriages  nor  horses  can  pass  them,  and  therefore 
Sedan  chairs  are  necessary  to  be  used.  In  the  centre  of  the 
city  is  a  bridge  100  feet  high  and  160  long,  which  unites 
the  two  hills  upon  and  between  which  Genoa  is  built,  and  it 
is  raised  over  the  houses  six  stories  high.  This  city  was 
noted  for  its  extensive  commerce  in  the  times  of  the  ancient 
Romans. 

SAVONA,  a  maritime  town,  20  miles  southwest  of  Genoa, 
with  18,000  inhabitants.  Here  Pope  Pius  the  VII.  was 
forced  to  reside  in  the  years  1809-1812. 

MONTENOTTE,  noted  for  the  victory  gained  by  Napoleon  on  the  14th  of 
April,  1796. 

SPEZZTA,  a  maritime  town  on  the  gulf  of  the  same  name,  has  a  fine  harbor, 
And  10,000  inhabitants. 

5.  THE  ISLAND  OF  SARDINIA, 

Is  separated  from  Corsica  by  the  strait  of  Bonifacio.  It  is 
quite  mountainous,and  along  the  coast  is  considerably  marshy, 
with  an  impure  atmosphere. 

CAGLIART,  the  capital  of  the  island,  is  a  strongly  fortified 
city,  with  a  university,  an  active  commerce,  and  30,000 
inhabitants. 

SASSARI,  has  also  a   university,  and   23,000  inhabitants. 
Much  wine  and  oil  are  made  in  the  vicinity. 
DOKGALI,  noted  for  its  manufactory  of  arms. 


322  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

II.  LOMBARDY  AND  VENETIA. 

Area  17,594  square  miles.     Population  5,068,000. 

The  whole  of  this  kingdom  belonged,  until  recently  to  the 
Austrian  Empire,  but  Lombardy  has  been  wrested  from  it 
and  united  to  the  kingdom  of  Sardinia.  The  Po  separates 
this  kingdom  on  the  south,  from  Parma,  Modena  and  the 
States  of  the  Church,  and  the  Ticino  separates  it  on  the  west 
from  Sardinia  proper.  It  is  divided  into  two  governments. 

1.  THE  GOVERNMENT  OF  LOMBARDY. 

MILAN,  the  capital,  is  situated  in  a  beautiful  plain  between 
the  Ticino  and  Adda  rivers,  160  miles  distant  from  Venice, 
and  is  famed  for  its  numerous  and  splendid  public  buildings, 
and  for  its  valuable  public  libraries  and  literary  institutions. 
The  cathedral  is  one  of  the  most  magnificent  specimens  of 
Gothic  architecture,  and  is  said  to  be  adorned  with  5,000 
statues.  This  city  was  built  by  the  ancient  Gauls,  in  359,  B. 
C.,  and  has  suffered  40  sieges,  20  captures,  and  4  destruc- 
tions. Population  210,000. 

BERGAMO,  at  the  foot  of  the  Alps,  with  32,000  inhabitants, 
is  noted  for  the  great  Bartholemew  fair,  held  here  annually, 
and  for  its  trade,  manufactures  and  remarkable  churches. 

BRESCIA,  54  miles  distant  from  Milan,  is  famed  for  manu- 
factures of  fire  arms,  its  architecture,  palaces  and  literary 
institutions.  Population  30,000. 

LODI,  on  the  Adda,  19  miles  south  east  of  Milan,  is  noted  for  (he  victory 
of  Napoleon,  of  May  10th,  1796.  The  celebrated  Parmesan  cheese  is  made 
in  the  vicinity.  Population  18,000. 

PAVIA,  on  the  Ticino,  has  a  university  and  28,000  inhabitants.  The  Car- 
thusian monastery,  iiithe  vicinity,  is  one  of  the  finest  in  Italy.  Here  king 
Desiderius  was,  in  771,  taken  prisoner  by  Charlemagne,  and  in  the  year 
218,  B.  C.,  Hannibal  defeated  the  Romans  at  this  place. 

CREMONA,  on  the  Po,  48  miles  distant  from  Milan,  with  28,000  inhabi- 
tants. It  is  famed  for  its  manufactures  of  violins,  and  its  literary  institu- 
tions. 

MANTUA,  80  miles  southeast  of  Milan,  is  a  strongly  fortified  town,  and  is 
noted  as  being  the  birth  place  of  Virgil.  Population  28,000. 

2.  THE  GOVERNMENT  OF  VENETIA. 

VENICE  is  built  upon  numerous  islands,  united  by  bridges 
in  a  so-called  Lagoon,  at  the  head  of  the  Adriatic.  The  in- 
tervening arms  of  this  lagoon,  or  lake,  serve  as  streets,  which 
are  navigated  by  gondolas.  There  are  over  400  bridges 
which  unite  the  different  islands  upon  which  the  city  is  built, 
the  largest  of  which  is  187  feet  long  and  43  feet  wide, 
called  the  Rialto,  and  which  is  erected  entirely  of  marble, 


EUROPE.  323 

furnished  with  a  leaden  roof  and  occupied  by  the  most 
splendid  and  costly  mercantile  buildings.  Venice  is  remark- 
able for  the  great  number  of  its  historically  remarkable 
public  and  private  edifices.  The  church  of  St.  Mark,  the 
ancient  palace  of  the  Doge,  and  the  Arsenal,  are  striking 
objects  of  interest.  The  manufactures  of  glass  and  mirrors 
are  carried  on  extensively,  but  are  not  of  so  much  impor- 
tance as  formerly.  Population  125,000. 

PADUA  has  a  university,  a  celebrated  fair  held  here  annually, 
and  45,000  inhabitants.  This  is  the  birth  place  of  Livy,  the 
Roman  historian,  and  the  traveller,  Belzoni. 

VICENZA  has  great  silk  manufactures  and  35,000  inhabi- 
tants. 

VERONA,  on  the  Adige,  contains  a  celebrated  Roman  amphi- 
theatre, sufficient  to  hold  22,000  spectators.  In  the  vicinity 
are  extensive  marble  quarries,  on  which  account  the  houses 
of  this  city  are  generally  built  of  this  material.  Theodoric 
made  this  the  capital  of  his  empire.  Here  Cornelius  Nepos 
was  born.  Population  52,000. 

CIIIOGQIA,  on  an  island  of  the  same  name,  with  salt  works,  and  28,000  in- 
habitants. 

TREVISO,  eighteen  miles  from  Venice,  with  a  botanic  garden,  important 
manufactures,  annual  fairs,  and  20,000  inhabitants. 

BELLUNO,  51  miles  from  Venice,  with  a  great  timber  trade  and  12,000  in- 
habitants. 

UDINE,  distant  from  Venice  64  miles,  with  a  handsome  cathedral,  and 
23,000  inhabitants. 

CAMPO  FORMIO,  noted  for  the  treaty  of  peace  of  17th  October,  1797,  be- 
tween France  and  Austria. 

III.  THE  DUCHY  OF  PARMA. 

This  Duchy  is  a  fertile  district,  comprising  an  area  of 
2,279  square  miles,  and  479,900  inhabitants. 

According  to  a  resolution  of  the  Congress  of  Vienna, 
this  duchy  was  given  to  Maria  Louisa,  the  wife  of  Napoleon, 
who  governed  it  until  her  death  in  1-847.  It  is  now  united 
to  the  kingdom  of  Sardinia,  or  the  kingdom  of  Italy. 

PARMA,  the  capital  of  the  duchy,  has  a  beautiful  castle,  a 
celebrated  theatre,  one  of  the  largest  in  Europe,  many  literary 
institutions  and  41,000  inhabitants. 

PIACENZA,  on  the  Po,  36  miles  west  of  Parma,  with  a  beau- 
tiful cathedral  and  30,000  inhabitants.  In  die  vicinity  is  the 
battle  field  of  Trebia,  where  Hannibal  defeated  the  Romany 
217,  B,  C. 

IV.  THE  DUCHY  OF  MODENA, 

Comprises  2,109  square  miles  and  490,000  inhabitants,    It  is 


324  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND   BOOK. 

now  under  the  government  of  Victor  Emanuel,  the  king  of 
Sardinia. 

MODENA,  the  capital  of  the  Duchy,  is  a  beautifully  built 
city,  with  a  splendid  castle,  a  university,  and  28,000  inhab- 
itants. 

REGGIO  manufactures  wines  and  silks  extensively.  Here  the  renowned 
poet,  Ariosto,  was  born  in  1474.  Population  20,000.  In  the  vicinity  lie  the 
ruins  of  the  castle  of  Canossa,  where  Henry  IV.  performed  penance  be- 
fore Pope  Gregory  VII.,  in  1077, 

CARRARA  is  noted  fur  its  academy  of  Sculptors  and  the  numerous  work- 
shops of  this  art. 

V.  THE  DUCHY  OF  LUCCA, 

Has  an  area  of  426  square  miles,  and  182,000  inhabitants. 
In  1847  this  duchy  was  annexed  to  the  grand  duchy  of 
Tuscany. 

LUCCA,  the  capital  of  the  duchy,  has  a  university,  impor- 
tant silk  and  cotton  manufactures,  a  richly  decorated  ducal 
palace,  and  25,000  inhabitants.  In  the  vicinity  are  celebrated 
baths. 

VI.  THE  GRAND  DUCHY  OF  TUSCANY  PROPER, 

Contains  8,418  square  miles,and  1,570,000  inhabitants.  This 
duchy  is  now  annexed  to  the  kingdom  of  Sardinia. 

FLORENCE,  the  capital  of  the  grand  duchy,  situated  on  the 
Arno,  is  next  to  Rome  the  most  beautiful  city  in  Italy.  It  is 
noted  for  its  churches,  palaces,  galleries  and  libraries.  Among 
its  churches  the  most  magnificent  is  the  cathedral,  whose 
beautiful  Cupola  rises  to  the  height  of  400  leet.  It  also  con- 
tains a  university  and  many  picturesque  ruins.  Population 
110,000. 

CERTALDO,  noted  as  the  birth  place  of  the  poet  Boccacio. 

CHIUSI,  the  ancient  Clusium,  the  residence  of  Porsenna. 

PISA,  also  on  the  Arno,  four  miles  from  its  mouth,  is  noted 
for  its  cathedral  and  the  celebrated  Leaning  Tower,  190  feet 
high,  which  overhangs  its  base  and  seemingly  threatens  to 
fall  every  moment,  yet  has  stood  for  many  centuries.  Popula- 
tion 22,000.  This  city  once  numbered  a  population  of  150,000. 

LEGHORN  is  the  chief  seaport  of  Tuscany,  and  the  first 
commercial  city  of  Italy,  with  numerous  manufactures,  and 
88,000  inhabitants,  one-fourth  of  whom  are  Jews,  who  have 
here  one  of  the  most  splendid  synagogues  in  Europe.  Here 
the  world-renowned  Thorwaldsen,  the  Danish  marble  sculp- 
tor, lived  the  greatest  part  of  his  life,  and  modeled  in  this 
city  his  most  artistic  specimens,  This  city  was  the  birth,  place 
of  Dante, 


EUROPE.  325 

~  SIENA  has  a  small  university  and  20,000  inhabitants. 

The  island  of  Elba  belongs  to  Tuscany,  with  the  town  of  Forto  Ferrajo. 
This  was  the  place  to  which  Napoleon  was  first  banished,  in  1814.  The 
island  abounds  in  iron. 

VII.  THE  STATES  OF  THE  CHURCH, 

Contain  17,280  square  miles,  and  2,970,000  inhabitants. 
These  States,  except  the  province  of  Romagna  (which  now 
belongs  to  the  Kingdom  of  Sardinia)  are  under  the  govern- 
ment of  the  Pope,  now  Pius  IX.  The  soil  of  most  of 
these,  with  the  exception  of  the  Pontine  marshes  in  the  south- 
western corner,  is  very  fertile,  but  in  general,  badly  culti- 
vated. 

ROME,  situated  upon  the  banks  of  the  Tiber,  is  the  world- 
famed  capital  and  residence  of  the  Pope,  with  180,000  in- 
habitants. Though  greatly  decayed,  and  much  of  it  in  ruins, 
Rome  is  yet  one  of  the  most  interesting  cities  in  the  world, 
and  is  noted  for  its  churches,  palaces,  columns,  arches  and 
other  splendid  monuments  of  architecture,  and  also  as  the 
seat  of  the  fine  arts.  It  contains  a  university  called  Delia 
Sapienza,  and  on  account  of  its  numerous  monuments  of  an- 
tiquity and  works  of  art,  is  a  constant  resort  for  travellers 
from  all  parts  of  the  world.  The  Church  of  St.  Peter,  the 
glory  of  modern  architecture,  stands  pre-eminent  amongst  its 
noted  edifices,  as  one  of  the  finest  structures  on  the  globe, 
ana"  the  largest  and  most  magnificent  cathedral  in  existence. 
We  also  note  after  this,  the  Rotunda,  the  ancient,  celebrated 
Pantheon,  formerly  a  heathen  temple,  now  consecrated  as  a 
Christian  church;  the  Capitolium,  a  palace  erected  on  the 
spot  where  the  old  capitolium  stood  ;  the  Castle  of  St.  Angelo, 
a  citadel  now  used  for  a  prison.  A  large  archway  unites 
this  castle  to  the  Vatican,  a  mammoth  palace  containing  the 
most  valuable  library  in  the  world,  and  the  finest  works  of 
Raphael  and  Michael  Angelo. 

ANCONA,  30  miles  from  Rome,  is  the  chief  seaport  of  the 
Popedom,  on  the  Adriatic,  with  a  remarkable  cathedral  and 
32,000  inhabitants. 

CIVITIA  VECHIA,  next   to    Ancona,  the  chief  seaport  in  the  eclesiastical 
States. 
VELLETRI,  with  many  remains  of  antiquity.     Population  12,000. 

PERUGIA,  83  miles  from  Rome,  with  a  university  and 
32,000  inhabitants. 

ASSIST,  renowned  as  the  birth  place  of  St.  Franeiscus,  the 
founder  of  the  Franciscan  order. 


326  GEOGRAPHICAL   HAND    BOOK. 

TOLKNTINO,  noted  for  the  treaty  of  peace  between  France  and  the  Pope, 
in  1797. 

LORETTA,  celebrated  as  a  place  of  pilgrimages.  The  cottage  of  the  Virgin 
Mary,  believed  to  have  been  brought  in  12y5,  by  the  angels,  from  Galilee,  at- 
tracts multitudes  of  pilgrims. 

URBINO,  noted  as  the  birth  place  of  Raphael. 

RAVENNA,  once  the  residence  of  the  Roman  emperors,  the 
Gothic  kings  and  the  Exarchs  of  Italy,  is  now  a  reduced 
city^sitaated  in  a  marshy  district,  near  the  sea-coast,  with 
26,000  inhabitants.  Here  Dante  lies  buried. 

BOLOGNA,  next  to  Rome  the  most  commercial  city  in  the 
ecclesiastical  dominions,  is  situated  in  a  fertile  region,  with 
important  manufactures  of  silk,  soap  and  artificial  flowers. 
It  contains  the  oldest  university  in  Europe.  Population 
75,000. 

FERRARA,  situated  on  an  arm  of  the  Po,  is  beautifully  and 
regularly  built,  with  a  vast  gothic  castle,  a  university,  and 
28,000  inhabitants.  Extensive  marshes  are  found  near  the 
city. 

RIMINI,  a  maritime  town,  with  numerous  remnants  of  antiquity  and  18,OOC 
inhabitants. 

The  duchy  of  Benevento,  and  the  principality  of  Pontecorvo,  insulated  in 
the  kingdom  of  Naples,  belong  to  the  States  of  the  Church. 

VIII.  THE  REPUBLIC  OF  SAN  MARINO, 

Has  only  22  square  miles,  and  8,200  inhabitants.  It  is  the 
smallest  (with  regard  to  extent)  of  all  the  European  States, 
and  contains  the  town  of  Marino  and  four  villages.  It  is  said 
that  a  hermit,  by  the  name  of  Marinus,  about  1,380  years 
ago,  founded  this  republic.  Marino,  the  capital,  situated  on 
a  mountain,  is  accessible  only  by  a  path. 

IX.  THE  KINGDOM  OF  NAPLES,  OR  THE  TWO  SICILIES. 

This  kingdom  consists  of  the  southern  part  of  Italy,  and 
the  island  of  Sicily,  with  the  Lipari  isles.  It  comprises  an 
area  of  42,100  square  miles  and  8,373,000  inhabitants.  Si- 
cily is  the  largest  island  in  the  Mediterranean,  and  is  peerless 
in  its  fertility,  having  been  in  ancient  times  termed  the 
"  Garden  of  Rome."  This  kingdom  is  also  ruled  by  Victor 
Emanuel. 

1.  CONTINENTAL  NAPLES. 

Area  31,556  square  miles.     Population  6,323,000. 
NAPLES,  the  capital  andi  royal  residence,  is  the  most  popu-p 


EUROPE.  32f 

lous  city  of  Italy,  and  one  of  the  largest  in  Europe.  It  is 
built  upon  the  Mediterranean,  and  has  a  capacious  harbor,  a 
university,  and  400,000  inhabitants ;  80,000  of  whom  are 
lazzaroni,  or  day  laborers  without  homes.  The  lengthy  street 
of  Toledo  is  very  splendid,  and  noted  for  the  swarming 
throngs  of  people  passing  through  it,  which  on  Sunday  are 
so  dense  that  it  is  almost  impossible  to  move  along  the  same. 
The  objects  of  interest  in  the  vicinity  are  :  1.  The  Grotto  of 
Pausilipo,  being  a  tunnel  through  rocks  upwards  of  a  mile  long 
and  illuminated  by  lamps  day  and  night.  2.  The  Dog's 
Grotto,  the  bottom  of  which  is  covered  with  carbonic  acid 
gas,  which  suffocates  a  dog  plunged  therein.  3.  The  Solfa- 
tara,  a  volcanic  vale,  where  the  earth  is  warm  and  from 
which  sulphurous  vapors  ascend.  4.  Mount  Vesuvius  3,800 
feet  high,  at  the  foot  of  which  much  excellent  wine  is  made. 
This  volcano  lies  seven  miles  from  Naples. 

PORTICI,  a  village  with  a  royal  palace,  in  which  are  pre- 
served many  relics  from  the  excavated  ruins  of  Herculancum 
and  Pompeii,  destroyed  by  an  erruption  of  Vesuvius,  in  the 
year  79,  A.  D. 

CAPUA,  comprises  in  its  vicinity  many  antiquities  of  the 
ancient  and  renowned  Capua. 

GAETA,  one  of  the  strongest  fortresses  in  the  world,  on  a 
bay  of  the  same  name. 

SALERNO,  with  an  ancient  cathedral,  in  which  Gregory 
VII.  lies  buried  (f  1085.)  A  large  fair  is  held  here  yearly. 

BARI,  a  fortified  city  on  the  Adriatic,  with  a  renowned 
chapel,  to  which  pilgrims  resort,  and  21,000  inhabitants. 

LECCE,  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  towns  of  lower  Italy, 
with  20,000  inhabitants.  Great  oil  culture. 

TARANTO,  situated  on  a  bay  of  the  same  name,  with  great 
salt  works.  Many  oysters  and  clams  are  caught  here.  In 
the  5th  century,  this  city  had  300,000  inhabitants,  now  only 
19,000. 

REGGIO,  in  Calabria,  on  the  strait  of  Messina,  has  an 
active  trade  in  oil  and  silks.  Earthquake  in  1783. 

AQUINO,  a  village  noted  as  the  birth  place  of  Juvenal,  and  according  to 
some  authors,  of  Thomas  Aquinas. 

AMALFI,  an  ancient  emporium  of  Europe,  and  rioted  as  the  place  where 
the  pandects  of  Justinian  were  discovered. 

BRINHISI,  the  ancient  BRUNDUSIUM,  with  Roman  antiquities. 

,  holds  a  large  annual  fair,  and  has  26,000  inhabitants. 
with  important  trade  in  silk  and  olive  oil. 


328  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

COSENZA,  a  small  town  in  the  vicinity  of  which  Alaric  the  Visigoth  lies 
buried. 

The  islands  CAPRI  and  ISCHIA,  lie  upon  the  coast. 

2.  THE  ISLAND  OF  SICILY. 

Area  10,544  square  miles.     Population  2,050,000. 

The  island  of  Sicily,  as  before  stated,  the  largest  in  the 
Mediterranean,  is  separated  from  the  main  land  by  the  strait 
ot  Messina,  five  miles  wide.  The  whirlpool  on  the  coast  of 
Sicily,  called  by  the  ancients  Charybdis,  and  the  opposite 
promontory,  called  Sylla,  are  not  so  terrifying  to  mariners  as 
formerly ;  but  the  ebb  and  flow  of  the  tide  in  the  strait  are 
very  strong.  The  island  of  Sicily  is  intersected  by  moun- 
tains, which  are  regarded  as  a  continuation  of  the  Apennines. 
Mount  Etna,  called  here  Monte  Gibello,  10,870  feet  high,  is 
the  most  noted  volcano  in  Europe. 

PALERMO,  the  capital,  on  a  bay  of  the  northern  coast,  has  a 
capacious  harbor,  a  university,  considerable  silk  manufac- 
tures, a  lively  trade,  and  180,000  inhabitants.  The  environs 
of  Palermo  are  adorned  with  numerous  magnificent  villa?. 

In  the  vicinity  of  Palermo,  is  situated  the  town  of  MOXREALE,  with  a 
splendid  cathedral,  and  14,000  inhabitants.  Here,  March  30th,  1282,  com- 
menced the  Massacre  of  the  French,  called  the  Sicilian  Vespers. 

TERMINI,  with  renowned  hot  springs,  and  19,000  inhabitants. 

TAOKMINA,  noted  for  its  80  years  siege  during  the  Middle  Ages,  the  longest 
known  in  history. 

MESSINA,  on  the  strait  of  the  same  name,  the  most  impor- 
tant commercial  city  of  Sicily,  is  fortified  and  has  a  univer- 
sity, considerable  silk  manufactures,  and  85,000  inhabitants. 
Earthquake  in  1783. 

CATANIA,  at  the  foot  of  Mount  Etna,  with  60,000  inhabi- 
tants, who  manufacture  great  quantities  of  silk,  and  carry  on 
a  considerable  trade. 

SYRACUSE,  a  fortified  city  on  the  eastern  coast  of  Sicily,  is 
renowned  for  its  excellent  wines  and  the  ancient  temple  of 
Minerva.  It  once  contained  1,200,000  inhabitants,  now  only 
18,000.  Here  were  the  remarkable  quarries  called  the  Ear. 
of  Dionysius. 

GIRGENTI,  60  miles  southeast  of  Palermo,  with  a  remark- 
able  cathedral,  and  18,000  inhabitants. 

Jfear  this  was  situated  the  ancient  renowned  cjty  of  AGIUGKNTUM,  which 
(]nce  had  a  population  pf  800,000. 


EUEOPE.  229 

TRAPANI,  a  fortified  city  on  the  sea  coast,  with  salt  manu- 
factures, and  26,000  inhabitants. 

North  of  the  Island  of  Sicily  lie  the  Lipari  islands,  anciently  called  the 
/Eolian  Islands,  producing  wines,  figs  and  cotton.  They  are  13  in  number 
and  are  of  volcanic  origin. 

X.  THE  BRITISH  ITALIAN  ISLANDS. 
1.  THE  MALTESE  ISLANDS, 

Three  in  number,  contain  160  square  miles  and  140,000  in- 
habitants.    They  are  called   Malta,  Gozzo  and  Cormi.io. 

LA  VALETTA,  situated  upon  the  island  of  Malta,  is  one  of 
the  strongest  fortified  cities  in  the  world,  and  was  formerly 
the  seat  of  the  Grand  Master  of  the  knights  of  St.  John,  and 
has  a  university,  a  botanic  garden,  considerable  commerce, 
and  50,000  inhabitants. 

2.  THE  IONIAN  ISLANDS. 

These  islands,  lying  upon  the  coast  of  Albania,  Livadia 
and  Morea,  form,  since  1815,  a  free  and  independent  govern- 
ment under  the  protection  of  Great  Britain.  The  number 
of  these  islands  are  seven  large  and  several  small  ones,  all  of 
which  contain  1,108  square  miles,  and  220,000  inhabitants. 
They  are  generally  mountainous,  but  interspersed  with  many 
delightful  valleys  and  have  a  serene,  mild  atmosphere.  Corfu  is 
the  most  important  of  these,  with  the  city  of  Corfu,  the  capi- 
tal of  the  whole  republic  and  the  seat  of  the  British  Lord 
High  Commissioner.  It  has  a  university,  founded  in  1S24, 
and  one  of  the  best  harbors  on  the  Mediterranean.  25,000 
inhabitants. 

PAXO,  southeast  of  Corfu,  is  nearly  covered  with  olive  trees. 

SANTA  MAURA  exports  oil,  salt  and  wine.  The  channel 
which  separates  this  island  from  Albania,  is  so  narrojv  and 
shallow  that  it  can  sometimes  be  forded. 

THEAKI,  the  ancient  Ithica,  exports  many  raisins. 

CEPHALONIA,  the  largest,  is  noted  for  its  excellent  sailors,  and  it  carries 
on  a  considerable  commerce. 

ZANTE,  is  so  pleasant  and  fertile  that  it  has  been  called  the 
"  crown  and  flower  of  the  Levant."  These  islands  were 
formerly  called  the  Venetian  Levant.  The  city  of  Zante  is 
built  upon  the  declivity  of  a  mountain,  upon  the  east  side, 
in  the  iorm  of  an  amphitheatre,  and  is  the  greatest  commer- 
cial place  in  the  republic,  Population  £2?000f 


330  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

CERIGO,  South  of  Morea,  yields  wine  and  oil.   The  production  of  grain  is 
inconsiderable.     • 


SWITZERLAND. 

Area  15,315  square  miles.     Population  2,500,000 

SWITZERLAND,  anciently  called  Helvetia,  was  until  the 
year  A.  D.,  406,  a  Roman  Province,  inhabited  by  a  German 
tribe  named  Helvetians.  It  was  for  many  centuries  under 
the  sway  of  the  German  empire  ;  but  the  three  cantons  of 
Uri,  Schweitz  and  Unterwalden,  united  together,  in  1315,  to 
maintain  their  independence,  and  this  was  the  foundation  of 
the  present  Helvetic  republic.  In  1513,  the  number  of  can- 
tons was  13,  and  by  the  year  1815,  the  confederacy  had  in- 
creased to  its  present  number  of  22.  Switzerland,  although 
she  had  effectively  maintained  her  independence  for  a  long 
time,  yet  was  not  formally  acknowledged  as  an  independent 
nation  until  the  peace  of  Westphalia,  in  1648. 

She  lies  between  Germany  and  Italy,  and  is  bordered  on 
the  west  by  France. 

Surface. — Switzerland  is^altogether  a  mountainous  coun- 
try, and  the  summits  of  its  lofty  mountains  are  constantly 
covered  with  snow.  Here  in  the  elevated  heights,  lying  be- 
tween the  summits  of  eternal  snows,  immeasurable  fields  of 
ice,  called  glaciers,  are  formed,  and  from  these  lofty  regions 
great  quantities  of  ice  and  snow  precipitate  themselves  into 
the  valleys,  and  sometimes  bury  men,  houses  and  cattle  in 
one  common  ruin.  Upon  some  occasions  stupendous  moun- 
tain masses  lose  their  balance,  and  rush  into  the  valleys. 
However  terrific  this  all  may  be,  Switzerland  is  nevertheless 
very  enticing  in  her  various  beauties  of  nature.  The  delight^ 
ful  valleys,  the  grazing  Alps  (as  the  pasture  grounds  on  the 
mountains  are  called,)  the  clear  brooks  gliding  smoothly 
down  the  mountain  sides,  the  grand  cataracts,  the  charming 
and  ever  varying  prospect,  scon  reconcile  even  the  most  timid 
with  Switzerland. 

Soil. — -The  soil  of  Switzerland,  notwitnstanding  its  moun- 
tainous character,  is  in  many  places  fertile.  Many  of  the 
valleys  have  a  fertile  soil,  and  the  Alpine  pastures  are  noted 
for  their  nutritious  and  aromatic  herbs.  Pasturage  and  the 
making*of  cheese  a»e  therefore  the  chief  pursuits  o/  the 
farmer. 


EUROPE.  331 

Rivers. — The  Rhine,  which  receives  the  Aar  after  its  tribu- 
taries the  Reuss  and  Limmat  have  emptied  into  it,  has  its 
source  in  Mount  St.  Gothard  ;  and  the  Rhone,  rising  at  the 
foot  of  Mount  Furca  flows  through  the  long  and  deep  valley 
of  Valais,  and  afterwards  rushes  with  great  violence  into  lake 
Geneva.  At  Geneva  it  again  issues  from  the  lake,  and  turn- 
ing towards  France,  empties  into  the  Mediterranean. 

Lakes. — Amongst  the  numerous  lakes  of  Switzerland, 
those  of  Geneva,  Constance,  Neufchatel,  Zurich  and  Lu- 
cerne are  the  largest.  The  Rhone,  as  already  stated,  flows 
through  the  first,  the  Rhine  through  lake  Constance,  and  the 
Limmat  through  lake  Zurich. 

Climate — The  climate  in  general  is  salubrious  and  pure, 
but  various,  owing  to  the  natural  condition  of  the  country  as 
regards  altitude.  In  the  low  valleys,  especially  in  those  ex- 
posed to  the  sun,  it  is  very  warm  and  often  oppressively  hot ; 
in  higher  localities  the  heat  decreases  and  the  elevated 
mountainous  regions  possess  the  pure  cold  atmosphere  of 
Norway. 

Products. — The  greatest  attention  is  directed  to  the  raising 
of  cattle,  and  the  excellent  pasuire  grounds  on  the  mountains, 
as  well  as  in  the  valleys,  seem  to  promote  this  branch  of  in- 
dustry ;  the  rearing  of  horses  in  different  districts  is  also  an 
object  of  considerable  attention.  In  the  mountains,  bears, 
wolves,  chamois,  wild  goats,  marmots  and  badgers  are  found; 
wild  fowl  in  abundance,  also  eagles  and  vultures.  Grapes, 
flax  and  tobacco  are  raised,  and  in  the  south  almonds  and 
other  choice  fruits.  Considerable  quantities  of  wine  are 
made.  The  grain  raised  is  insufficient  for  home  consump- 
tion. Of  minerals,  excellent  iron,  marble  and  slate  are  ob- 
tained here. 

Manufactures. — Switzerland  is  quite  a  manufacturing 
country.  Her  manufactures  comprise  chiefly  those  of  cotton 
and  silk  goods,  watches,  jewelry,  &c.  The  manufacture  of 
linen  and  hempen  cloth,  paper,  leather,  iron  and  straw  hats 
is  considerable. 

Education. — Common  schools  are  numerous  in  Switzer- 
land. There  are  three  universities,  one  at  Bale,  one  at  Zu- 
rich and  one  at  Berne  ;  and  besides  these,  numerous  acade- 
mies and  gymnasiums  are  established. 

Commerce. — The  commerce  of  this  country  is  considera- 
ble, and  its  exports  are  confined  principally  to  manufactured 
goods,  cattle,  cheese  and  drugs. 


332  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

Inhabitants. — The  bulk  of  the  inhabitants  are  of  German 
origin  ;  but  in  the  south  of  Italian,  and  in  the  west  of  French 
descent  One  part  of  the  Swiss  belong  to  the  Protestant,  and 
the  other  to  the  Roman  Catholic  church,  the  former  com- 
posing the  majority.  Switzerland  is  divided  into  22  cantons, 
which  form  together  a  confederated  republic,  and  each  of 
them  has  its  own  independent  government;  and  these 
all  are  allied  together  into  a  union  for  the  maintenance  of 
their  liberty,  independence  and  internal  security.  The 
general  business  of  the  confederacy  is  managed  by  the  Diet 
or  Federal  Congress,  consisting  of  the  representatives  of  all 
the  Cantons,  which  meets  at  Berne.  The  Swiss  are  an  active 
and  robust  people,  and  have  always  been  distinguished  for 
their  love  of  liberty  and  attachment  to  their  native  country, 
as  well  as  for  their  bravery  and  loyalty.  To  the  foregoing, 
the  deformed  and  idiotic  Cretins  form  an  exception,  and  they 
are  principally  found  in  the  canton  of  Valais, 

CANTONS. 

1.  Bale.  9.  Grisons.  16.  Berne. 

2.  Solothurn.  10.  Tessin.  17.  Uri. 

3.  Aargau.  11.  Valais.  18.  Glarus. 

4.  Zurich.  12.  Geneva.  19.  Schweitz. 

5.  Schaffhausen.  13.  Vaud.  20.  Zug. 

6.  Thurgau.  14.  Neufchatel.  21.  Underwalden. 

7.  St.  Gall.  15.  Freiburg.  22.  Lucerne. 

8.  Appenzell. 

The  canton  of  Bale  or  Basel  has  been,  since  1853,  divided 
into  Basel  City  and  Basel  Campagne. 

BASEL,  the  first  commercial  city  of  Switzerland,  situated 
on  the  Rhine,  has  a  university,  silk  manufactures,  paper 
mills  and  23,000  inhabitants.  Here  is  tha  sepulchre  of  the 
renowned  Erasmus  of  Rotterdam. 

SCHAFFHAUSEN,  situated  upon  the  Rhine,  in  the  vicinity  of 
which  is  the  celebrated  falls  of  the  Rhine,  the  most  famous 
in  Europe,  80  feet  high.  The  mass  of  water  is  broken  into 
foam  in  its  descent,  and  resembles  a  cataract  of  snow  and  the 
roaring  surpasses  even  Niagara. 

BADEN,  on  the  Limmat,  with  hot  sulphur  springs,  is  a 
favorite  resort  for  the  neighboring  cantoris.  * 

Southwest  on  the  Aar,  lies  the  ancient  castle  of  Hapsburg,  the  lineal 
house  of  the  Austrian  imperial  family,  now  in  ruins,  near  which  is  the  cele- 
brated bath  called  Schinznach. 

ZURICH?  situated  on  the  lake  of  the  same  name,  has  a 


EUROPE.  333 

University,  a  splendid  court  house,  a  large  cathedral  and  im- 
portant woolen  and  silk  manufactures.  The  reformation  of 
Zwingle  began  here  in  1520. 

ST.  GALL,  has  linen  and  cotton  manufactures  and  celebrated  bleacheries. 

PPEFFERS,  situated  in  the  wild  romantic  Tamina  valley,  is 
noted  for  its  warm  baths.  Here  is  a  Benedictine  Abbey, 
founded  in  720. 

KUSNACHT,  a  village  with  the  ruins  of  the  tyrant  Gesler's  castle,  who  was 
killed  by  Wm.  Tell. 

BRUNNEN,  a  village  where  the  three  cantons  Uri,  Schweitz 
and  Unterwalden,  in  1315,  entered  into  a  league  for  mutual 
defense,  which  laid  the  foundation  of  the  Helvetic  republic. 

LUCERNE,  a  fortified  town  on  the  Reuss,  has  a  lively  trade. 
It  is  situated  not  far  from  the  Pilate  mountain.  A  monu- 
ment is  erected  in  the  vicinity,  as  a  memorial  of  the  guards 
who  fell  in  Paris,  1792,  being  a  colossal  dying  lion,  hewn  out 
of  solid  rock. 

ALTORF,  on  the  Reuss,  in  the  Canton  of  Uri.  Here  the  spot  is  shown 
where  William  Tell  shot  the  apple  from  the  head  of  his  son.  A  well  is  dug 
where'  Tell  is  said  to  have  stood,  and  an  old  tower  adorned  with  paintings 
marks  the  spot  where  the  boy  was  placed. 

BERNE,  the  capital,  on  the  Aar,  is  one  of  the  largest  and 
most  important  cities  of  Switzerland,  with  a  deaf  and  dumb 
institute,  considerable  trade,  and  24,000  inhabitants.  In  the 
vale  of  Lauterbrunnen,  lying  in  the  southern  part  of  the  can- 
ton of  Berne,,  there  are  not  less  than  twenty  cascades,  amongst 
which  the  falls  of  the  Staubach,  opposite  the  Jungfrau,  are 
particularly  noted. 

FREIBUBG,  has  a  beautiful  church,  with  the  highest  spire  in  Switzerland. 
The  remarkable  cave,  hewn  in  solid  rock,  called  the  Magdalen  Hermitage, 
is  six  miles  distant. 

LAUSANNE,  situated  a  short  distance  from  Lake  Geneva,  has  a  very  de- 
lightful location  and  a  pure  atmosphere,  which  renders  it  attractive  to  tra- 
velers. 

GENEVA,  situated  on  lake  Geneva,  is  the  most  populous 
and  flourishing  city  of  Switzerland.  Many  watches  are 
made  here,  and  other  gold  and  silver  instruments.  70,000 
watches  are  estimated  to  be  made  in  this  city  annually.  Pop- 
ulation 31,000. 

NEUFCHATEL,  on  the  lake  of  the  same  name,  has  flourishing  manufacturing 
establishments,  and  a  thriving  commerce.  Much  lace  is  made  in  the  vicinity. 


334  GEOGRAfcHIdAL  HAND  BOOK. 


GERMANY. 

Area  245,054  square  miles.     Population  44,042,000. 

Germany  was  known  to  the  Romans,  under  the  name  of 
Germania,  and  was  for  a  time  partially  subject  to  this  nation^ 
but  achieved  its  independence  under  Hermann,  in  the  year 
9.,  A.  D.  It  afterwards  formed  part  of  the  great  empire  of 
Charlemagne,  which  was  dissolved  by  the  treaty  of  Verdun 
and  Louis  II.,  grandson  of  the  great  emperor,  became  the 
first  sovereign  of  Germany.  It  subsequently  passed  through 
numerous  revolutions,  and  was  governed  for  many  centuries 
by  emperors,  the  most  renowned  of  whom  was  Charles  V., 
who  swayed  the  sceptre  about  the  commencement  of  the 
German  reformation,  and  the  last  emperor  was  Francis  II.,  of 
Austria,  who  surrendered  the  title  of  "  German  emperor,"  in 
1806.  The  most  noted  events  in  the  history  of  Germany,  are 
the  Lutheran  reformation  and  the  consequent  religious  thirty 
years  war,  which  commenced  on  the  23d  May,  1618,  and 
ended  by  the  treaty  of  Westphalia,  in  1648.  The  present 
Germanic  confederation  is  the  only  remaining  nationality 
which  Germany  yet  retains. 

Germany  lies  near  the  centre  of  Europe,  and  is  bounded 
north  by  the  North  sea,  Denmark  and  the  Baltic ;  East  by 
Prussia,  Poland,  Galicia  and  Hungary ;  south  by  the  Adri- 
atic, Italy  and  Switzerland  ;  and  west  by  France,  Belgium 
and  the  Netherlands. 

Surface. — The  surface  of  Germany  is  higher  in  the  south 
than  in  the  north,  from  which  fact  the  southern  half  is  called 
Upper  Germany,  and  the  northern  half,  Lower  Germany. 
The  most  remarkable  mountains  are  :  1.  The  Alps,  the  high- 
est elevations  of  which  are  the  Orteles  Peak,  12,000  feet  high, 
and  the  Gross-Glockner  which  attains  an  altitude  of  12,213 
feet,  being  the  highest  point  of  Germany.  2.  The  Black 
Forest,  in  the  southwest  and  in  the  interior ;  3.  The  Fich- 
telgebirge ;  with  this  chain  are  united,  4.  The  Erzgebirge  on  the 
northeast ;  5.  The  Bohmerwald  on  the  northeast,  and  6.  The 
Thuringerwald  on  the  northwest.  To  the  Erzgebirge,  the 
Riesengebirge  are  united,  the  highest  point  of  which,  called 
the  Schneekoppe,  is  5,000  feet  high  ;  and  from  the  Riesenge- 
birge, 8.  The  Moravian  mountains  stretch  to  the  Bohmer- 
wald>  both  the  Riesengebirge  and  the  Moravian  mountains, 


EUROPE.  335 

bearing  the  general  name  of  the  Sudetic  mountains.  North 
of  the  Thuringerwald  are,  9.  The  Hartz  mountains,  with 
the  Brocken,  3,500  feet  high.  On  the  western  border  of  Ger- 
many lie,  10.  The  Donnersburg,  a  branch  of  the  Wasgauge- 
birge  or  Vosges  mountains. 

Soil. — The  soil  of  Germany  is,  on  the  whole,  only  of  mod- 
erate fertility.  There  are  many  tracts  of  exuberant  fertility, 
but  on  the  other  hand,  there  are  many  as  barren  and  sterile 
as  the  Russian  Steppes.  A  large  portion  of  the  northern 
level  country  would  be  as  barren  as  they,  but  for  the  abun- 
dant rains.  The  most  fertile  tracts  of  Germany  are  the 
marshes  on  the  shores  of  the  North  sea.  Agriculture  has 
brought  the  soil  to  a  high  degree  of  cultivation. 

Rivers. — The  most  considerable  rivers  are :  1.  The  Rhine 
which  receives  the  Neckar,  the  Main,  the  Lahn,  the  Moselle, 
the  Ruhr,  and  the  Lippe,  as  tributaries.  2.  The  Weser,  form- 
ed by  the  confluence  of  the  Werra  and  Fuldu,  receives  as 
affluents  the  Aller,  after  its  union  with  the  Ocker,  and  the 
Leine,  and  also  the  Hunte,  and  subsequently  empties  into  the 
north  sea.  3.  The  Elbe,  the  principal  tributaries  of  which 
are  theMoldau,  the  Eger,the  Mulde,the  Saaleandthe  Havel, 
discharges  its  waters  into  the  North  Sea.  4.  The  Oder  re- 
ceives, as  tributaries,  the  Neisse,  Katzbach,  and  Warta,  and 
flows  thiough  the  Haff  of  Stettin,  by  three  mouths,  into  the 
Baltic.  5.  The  Danube  rises  in  the  Black  Forest,  and  re- 
ceives as  its  affluents,  the  Iller,  Leek,  Iser,  Inn,  Enns  and 
March.  Besides  these  rivers,  we  observe  the  Ems,  and  the 
Eider,  which  forms  the  boundary'with  Denmark. 

CONSTANCE  is  the  largest  of  the  lakes,  lying  upon  the  fron- 
tiers of  Switzerland. 

Climate. — The  climate  of  Germany  is,  in  general,  temper- 
ate and  healthy.  That  of  North  Germany  is  more  inclement 
and  humid  than  that  of  the  south,  where  it  is  warm  and  dry. 
The  southwestern  part  is  the  mildest  region  of  Germany;  and 
in  this  portion,  the  grape  and  excellent  tropical  fruits  are  raised 
in  abundance,  and  much  wine  is  made. 

Products. — All  kinds  of  grain  and  fruits,  peculiar  to  the 
temperate  zone,  are  raised  in  Germany ;  rye,  barley,  oats,  po- 
tatoes, peas,  beans,  in  all  parts  ;  maize,  in  the  south  ;  wheat 
in  the  south  and  west;  buckwheat  in  the  north;  millet  in  the 
southeast ;  rape  seed,  poppy,  anise  and  cummin  in  the  cen- 
tre and  northwestern  districts.  Great  quantities  of  flax  are  culti- 
vated, especially  in  Silesia,  Bohemia,  Moravia  and  Westpha- 


336  GEOGRAPHICAL   HAND  BOOK. 

lia.  Hops  are  also  grown  in  great  abundance ;  the  best  in 
the  northern  part  of  Bavaria  and  in  Bohemia.  Tobacco  is 
extensively  raised  on  the  upper  Rhine  and  in  Brandenburg. 
Wine  is  made  in  great  quantities,  especially  along  the  Rhine 
and  its  tributaries,  and  in  the  Austrian  provinces. 

•Animals. — Horned  cattle,  horses,  sheep,  swine,  asses  and 
goat.5;,  are  raised  in  great  numbers.  The  best  horses  are  found 
in  North  Germany  3  the  most  excellent  swine  in  Pomerania 
and  Westphalia;  and  asses  are  raised  chiefly  in  the  south. 
Germany  abounds  in  game,  fowls,  bees,  etc.,  and  great  quan- 
tities of  honey  and  wax  are  exported.  Of  wild  animals,  deers, 
bean,  wolves,  foxes,  lynxes,  hamsters,  and  hares  are  found  ; 
and  the  rivers  contain  abundance  of  fish.  The  chamois  and 
ibex  are  yet  met  with  in  the  Alps. 

Minerals. — The  mineral  kingdom  of  Germany  yields  small 
quantities  of  gold,  but  more  of  silver ;  also  copper,  iron,  lead, 
quicksilver,  marble,  alabaster,  slate,  sandstone,  and  salt  in 
abundance.  There  is,  perhaps,  no  country  upon  the  globe 
where  mineral  springs  are  more  abundant  than  in  Germany. 

Manufactures. — The  manufactures  of  Germany  are  vari- 
ous and  important,  and  embrace  the  following  articles :  linen, 
(in  Silesia,  Bohemia,  Lusatia  and  Westphalia,)  woolen  goods, 
(in  Rhenish  Prussia  and  other  parts,)  cotton  goods,  silks,  hard- 
ware, cutlery,  fire  arms,  leather,  porcelain,  (the  best  in  Berlin, 
Vienna  and  Meissen,)  glass,  musical  instruments,  gold  and 
silversmiths'  wares,  optical,  chirurgical  and  other  similar 
instruments. 

Commerce. — The  commerce  of  Germany  is  carried  on  to  a 
great  extent.  The  chief  exports  are  in  grain,  timber,  wool, 
linen,  hardware,  lead,  zinc,  quicksilver,  glass,  salt,  woolen 
and  cotton  goods,  horses,  cattle  and  butter.  The  inland  trade 
is  also  considerable. 

Education. — Common  school  education  is  more  generally 
diffused  in  Germany  than  in  any  other  country  of  Europe. 
Her  literary  institutions  are  both  numerous  and  celebrated. 
The  universities  have  all  the  four  faculties  of  theology,  juris- 
prudence, medicine  and  philosophy,  (including  astronomy, 
etc.)  united ;  and  these  institutions  are  resorted  to  by  students 
from  all  countries.  Munich,  Vienna,  Berlin,  Dresden  and 
Gottingen  are  regarded  as  the  central  points  of  the  sciences 
and  arts,  not  only  for  Germany  but  for  other  countries.  Ger- 
many is  famed  for  the  number  and  size  of  her  public  libra- 


EUROPE.  387 

ries,  picture  galleries,  cabinets  of  natural  curiosities  and  ob- 
servatories. 

Inhabitants.  —  As  regards  religion,  there  are  between  twen- 
ty-iour  and  twenty-five  million  Roman  Catholics  in  Germany, 
upwards  of  ninteen  million  Protestants,  and  about  500,000 
Jews.  The  population  of  Southern  Germany  is  generally 
Catholic,  whilst  on  the  contrary,  that  of  Northern  Germany  is 
mostly  Protestant.  The  Germans  are  honest,  faithful,  brave, 
thoughtful,  persevering  and  industrious. 

Government.  —  Germany  consists  of  38  States,  united  to- 
gether for  mutual  defence,  by  a  common  league  or  associa- 
tion called  the  Germanic  Confederation.  Each  of  these 
states  has  its  own  form  of  government,  and  the  laws  of  each 
are  supreme  within  its  own  limits.  The  Diet  is  composed  of 
deputies  from  all  the  states,  whose  duty  consists  in  delibera- 
ting upon  the  general  affairs  of  the  Confederation,  and  what 
has  reference  to  the  maintenance  of  internal  and  foreign 
tranquillity.  When  the  Confederation  is  engaged  in  a  com- 
mon war,  each  federate  state  is  bound  to  furnish  its  propor- 
tional quota  of  soldiers  for  the  confederate  army.  The  Ger- 
manic Confederation  comprises,  besides  the  posses- 
sions ot  the  Emperor  of  Austria  and  the  King  of  Prussia, 
4  Kingdons,  1  Electorate,  1  Grand  Duchies,  9  Duchies,  10 
Principalities,  1  Landgraviate,and  4  Free  Cities.  Of  these  lie, 

IN  SOUTH  GERMANY  : 

I.  The  possessions  of  the  Emperor  of  Austria. 

II.  The  Kingdom  of  Bayaria. 

III.  The  Kingdom  of  Wirtemberg. 

IV.  The  Grand  Duchy  of  Baden. 

V     f 

yj  -j  The  two  Principalities  of  Hohenzollern. 

VII.  The  Principality  of  Lichtenstein. 

IN  CENTRAL  GERMANY  : 

VIII.  The  Kingdom  of  Saxony. 

IX   ( 

'  |  The  two  Principalities  of  Reuss. 


XII  {  The  two  princiPalitie3  of  Schw&rzburg. 

XIII.  ( 

XIV.  4  The  three  Saxon  Duchies. 

XV.  ( 

XVI.  The  Grand  Duchy  of  Saxe-Weimar. 

XVII.  The  Electorate  of  Hesse. 

XVIII.  The  Grand  Duchy  of  Hesse. 

XIX.  The  Duchy  of  Nassau. 


338  GEOGRAPHICAL   HAND   BOOK. 

XX.  The  Landgraviate  of  Hesse-Homburg. 

XXI.  The  Free  City  of  Frankfort  on  the  Maine. 

XXII.  The  Grand  Duchy  of  Luxemburg. 

IN  NORTH  GERMANY. 

XXIII.  The  possessions  of  the  King  of  Prussia. 

XXIV  f 

XXV  '  {  The  two  Grand  Duchies  of  Mecklenburg. 

XXVI.  The  Duchy  of  Holstein  with  Lauenburg. 

XXVII.  The  Free  City  of  Lubec. 

XXVIII.  The  Free  City  of  Hamburg. 

XXIX.  The  Kingdom  of  Hanover. 

XXX.  The  Grand  Duchy  of  Oldenburg. 

XXXI.  The  Free  City  of  Bremen. 

XXXII.  The  Principality  of  Schaumburg-Lippe. 

XXXIII.  The  Principality  of  Lippe-Detmold. 

XXXIV.  The  Principality  of  Waldeck, 

XXXV.  The  Duchy  of  Brunswick. 

XXXVI.  f 

XXXVII.  j  The  three  Duchies  of  Anhalt, 

XXXVIII.  [ 

SOUTH  GERMANY. 

I.  THE  POSSESSIONS  OF  THE  EMPEROR  OF  AUSTRIA. 

The  Austrian  Germanic  possessions  comprise  the  southeast- 
ern part  of  Germany,  and  embrace  76,000  square  miles  and 
14,000,000  inhabitants,  the  larger  part  of  whom  are  Roman 
Catholics.  Francis  Joseph  is  now  the  ruling  Emperor  of 
Austria. 

1.  THE  ARCH  DUCHY  OF  AUSTRIA, 

On  both  sides  of  the  Danube.  It  is  intersected  by  mountains. 
South  of  the  Danube  lie  the  Kahlenberg  mountains,  with  the 
Wienerwald  ;  north  of  it  the  Manhartsberg,  a  continuation  of 
the  Bohemian  mountains. 

•  VIENNA,  the  capital  of  Austria,  and  residence  of  the 
emperor,  situated  on  the  Danube,  the  first  and  most  popu- 
lous city  of  Germany,  is  surrounded  with  walls  and  numer- 
ous suburbs,  and  contains  600,000  inhabitants.  It  has  a 
university,  several  literary  institutions,  many  manufacuring 
establishments,  and  carries  on  an  extensive  trade.  The  noted 
objects  of  this  city  are:  the  Imperial  Castle,  with  the  royal 
library  of  400,000  volumes  and  15,000  manuscripts;  St. 
Stephens  Cathedral,  a  large  Gothic  edifice,  with  a  tower  436 
feet  high,  one  of  the  loftiest  in  Europe,  and  the  Metallic 
Statue  of  Joseph  II.  In  the  vicinity  of  the  city,  Schoeribrnnn 
and  Laxenburg,  the  summer  residences  of  the  Emperor,  are 
erected.  Vienna  has  been  twice  besieged  by  the  Turks,  once 


EUROPE. 

in  1529,  when  it  was  freed  from  the  invaders  by  Charles  V., 
with  his  imperial  army,  and  again  in  1683,  by  John  Sobieski, 
the  brave  king  ot  Poland. 

BADEN,  has  celebrated  warm  baths. 
NBUSTADT,  has  a  military  academy. 
STJSYER,  on  the  Ens,  contains  a  celebrated  manufactury  of  arms. 

LINZ,  situated  on  the  Danube,  has  many  woolen  and 
cotton  manufactories,  amongst  which  the  imperial  woolen 
manufactory  is  one  of  the  largest  in  the  empire.  Population 
25,000. 

SALZBURG,  situated  on  the  Salzach  river,  has  a  beautiful 
cathedral  and  the  remarkable  "  Gate  of  Sigismund."  This 
name  is  applied  to  the  passage  hewn  through  the  Monchs- 
berg,  which  is  420  feet  long,  22  wide  and  36  high. 

HALLEIN,  also  on  the  Salzach,  is  noted  for  its  salt  works. 

2.  THE  DUCHY  OF  STYRIA, 

Is  a  mountainous  district,  except  in  the  eastern  part,  some  of 
which  is  level. 

GRATZ,  is  the  capital  of  the  Duchy,  with  50,000  inhabitants. 
A  lively  trade  is  carried  on  here. 

MAB.IAZELL,  situated  high  upon  the  mountains,  on  the  borders  of  the 
Arch  Duchy,  is  a  celebrated  place  of  pilgrimages. 

t.  THE  KINGDOM  OF  ILLYRIA. 

Here  run  the  Noric,  Carnic  and  Julian  Alps,  with  the  great 
Birnbaumerwald.  This  district  consists  of  the  former 
Duchies  of  Carinthia,  Carniola,  Friaul,  Istria,  &c. 

The  curiosities  here  are  :  1.  The  Lake  of  Zirknitz,  encom- 
passed by  mountains,  which  at  certain  seasons  of  the  year 
becomes  entirely  dry  and  the  bottom  is  ploughed  and  sown ; 
in  three  months  the  waters  rush  back  and  fill  the  lake,  in 
which  abundance  of  fish  are  then  caught.  2.  The  Adels- 
berg  Cave,  which  is  almost  six  miles  in  length,  and  is  full 
of  crystals  and  stalagmites.  3.  The  Magdalen  Grotto,  in 
which  many  stalagmitic  figures  are  visible. 

KLAGENFURT,  in  the  Duchy  of  Carinthia,  has  cloth,  ribbon 
and  silk  manufactures,  and  carries  on  an  active  trade. 

LAYBACH,  in  the  Duchy  of  Carniola,  has  considerable 
manufactures  and  an  active  trade.  Population  19,000.  A 
congress  of  European  sovereigns  met  here  in  1820. 

IDBIA,  has  the  largest  and  most  productive  quicksilver  mines  in  Europe. 

TRIESTE,  the  principal  commercial  city  in  the  Austrian 


840  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOfc. 

Empire,  is  situated  on  the  Adriatic,  and  has  a  fine  harbor 
and  76,000  inhabitant.  Here  the  imperial  navy,  is  stationed. 

On  the  frontiers  of  Italy  lies  the  small  village  of  AQUILEJA,  which  was 
destroyed  in  452,  by  Attila  the  Hun,  at  the  time  of  the  great  migration  of 
nations;  and  the  few  surviving  inhabitants  fled  and  founded  the  city  of 
Venice.  Before  its  destruction  it  contained  100,000  inhabitants. 

4.  THE  EARLDOM  OF  TYROL, 

Is  very  mountainous  and  full  of  lofty  peaks,  the  highest  of 
which  is  the  Ortlerspitze,  12,852  feet  high,  the  highest  moun- 
tain of  Germany.  Here  rise  the  Lech,  the  Iser  and  Inn, 
tributaries  of  the  Danube.  The  inhabitants  are  an  active, 
vigorous  and  courageous  people. 

INNSPRUCK,  the  capital,  is  situated  between  high  and  rug- 
ged mountains,  on  the  river  Inn,  and  has  a  seminary  of 
learning. 

BOTZEN,  the  emporium  of  Tyrol,  is  noted  for  its  annual  fairs. 

TRENT,  on  the  Adige,  is  famed  in  history  for  the  council 
held  here  from  1545  to  1563,  in  which  the  doctrines  of  the 
Romish  church  were  confirmed.  The  church  in  which  the 
council  met,  is  yet  shown;  Population.  15,000 

ROVEREDO,  near  the  Adige,  is  noted  for  its  silk  manufactures; 
5.  THE  KINGDOM  OF  BOHEMIA^ 

Is  entirely  encompassed  by  the  Erzgebirge,  Riesengebirge, 
the  Moravian  mountains  and  the  Boehmerwald,  but  in  the 
interior,  is  very  fertile.  It  is  noted  for  its  excellent  manufac- 
tures of  glass. 

PRAGUE,  built  upon  both  sides  of  the  Moldau,  is  strongly 
fortified  and  has  a  university,  founded  in  1348,  the  oldest  in 
Germany.  Its  manufactures  of  cotton  and  linen,  and  its  trade 
are  extensive.  The  noteworthy  objects  are :  1.  The  splendid 
Bridge  over  the  Moldau, containing  16  arches;  the  Cathedral 
and  the  Imperial  Castle.  This  city  is  celebrated  as  the 
residence  of  John  Huss,  the  Reformer.  Here  the  great  Da- 
nish Astronomer,  Tycho  Brahe,  lies  buried  (f  1601).  Battle 
of  the  Weisenberg  in  the  vicinity,  1620.  Population  120,000. 

Frederick  II.  obtained  a  victory  near  Prague  in  May  1757,  over  the 
Austrians,  but  was  in  June  of  the  same  year,  near  Kolin,  on  the  Elbe,  east 
of  Prague,  defeated  by  them. 

REICHENBERG,  is  next  to  Prague,  the  most  important  place 
of  Bohemia,  with  extensive  manufactures  of  cotton  and 
woolen  goods. 

,  on  the  Elbe,  in  a  rich  region  called  the  Bohemian  Paradise. 


EUROPE.  341 

TOPLITZ,  near  the  Erzgebirgc,  is  a  celebrated  watering  place. 
JOACHIMSTHAL  was  formerly  noted  for  its  silver  mines.     The  first  thalers 
were  coined  here  in  1518. 

EGER,  on  the  river  of  the  same  name,  contains  the  hall  in 
which  Wallenstein  was  assassinated  in  1634.  In  the  vicinity 
are  the  noted  baths  of  Franzensbrunnen. 

CARLSBAD,  on  the  Eger,  has  also  noted  mineral  springs. 

6.  THE  MARGRAVIATE  OF  MORAVIA  AND    AUSTRIAN  SILESIA. 

These  provinces  are  fertile,  and  their  linen  and  cotton 
manufactures  considerable. 

BRUNN,  the  capital,  is  an  ancient  city,  full  of  historical  associ- 
ations, with  many  splendid  edifices.  Its  manufactures  are  ex- 
tensive, and  it  carries  on  a  lively  trade.  In  the  vicinity  liesAus- 
terlitz,  historically  famous  for  the  victory  gained  by  Napoleon 
over  the  Austrians  and  Russians,  in  1805.  Population  45,000, 

IGLAU,  is  noted  for  its  cloth  manufactures. 

OLMUTZ,  is  a  strongly  fortified  place,  noted  for  being  the 
town  in  which  Lafayette  was  imprisoned. 

TROPPAU,  JAOERNDORF,  and  TBSCHKN,  lie  in  Silesia,  and  have  cloth  and 
linen  manufactures, 

Besides  these  dominions  the  Emperor  of  Austria  possesses 
1.  Galicia,  2.  The  Hungarian  States,  and  3.  Venctia  in  Iialy. 
The  whole  contains  about  37,000,000  inhabitants. 
II.  THE  KINGDOM  OF  BAVARIA. 

This  kingdom  lies  west  of  the  Austrian  States,  upon  both 
banks  of  the  Danube.  The  Alps  run  through  the  southern 
part ;  in  the  northeast  the  Fichtelgebirge,  the  Schneeberge 
and  the  Ochsenkopfe ;  and  in  the  northwest  the  Rhoen  and 
Spessart  mountains.  A  small  isolated  part  of  this  kingdom 
lies  upon  the  left  bank  of  the  Rhine,  and  is  bounded  by  the 
Prussian  territory  and  France.  Here  run  the  Wasgaugebirge 
or  the  Vosges  mountains,  with  the  Donnersberg.  The  area 
of  Bavaria  amounts  to  30,000  square  miles,  and  its  popula- 
tion is  4,700,000,  three-fourths  of  whom  are  Catholics. 
1.  SOUTH  OF  THE  DANUBE. 

MUNICH,  is  the  capital  of  the  kingdom,  built  upon  the 
river  Iser.  The  city  has  a  university,  an  extensive  royal 
library,  and  a  sculpture  and  also  a  picture  gallery.  In  the 
vicinity  are  the  royal  palaces  of  Nymphenberg  and  Schleis- 
heim.  Here  the  art  of  lithographing  was  invented.  Popu- 
lation 115,000. 

HOHENLINDEN,  18  miles  from  Munich,  is  famous  for  the  victory  of  Moreau 
over  the  Austrians,  December  3, 1800,  so  thrillingly  described  by  Campbell, 


342  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND   BOOK. 

AUGSBURG,  on  the  Lech,  is  a  celebrated  manufacturing 
and  commercial  city,  with  38,000  inhabitants.  The  Town 
Hall,  the  most  handsome  in  Germany,  deserves  notice,  as  the 
place  in  which  the  Protestants  presented  their  celebrated  con- 
fession of  faith  to  the  Emperor  Charles  V.  in  1530. 

REICIIENIIALL  is  noted  for  its  Salt  works. 

2.  ON  THE   DANUBE. 

RATISBON  or  REGENSBURG,  is  an  old  city  and  carries  on  a 
considerable  commerce  on  the  Danube.  The  Germanic  Diet 
formerly  met  here,  and  the  Hall  in  which  it  assembled  is  yet 
to  be  seen.  Population  24,000. 

PASSAU  is  situated  at  the  confluence  of  the  Inn  and  Danube.  Its  trade 
and  manufactures  are  extensive. 

INGOLSTADT,  a  fortified  city  with  cloth  manufactures. 

HOCHSTADT,  noted  for  the  two  battles  fought  near  it  in  1703  and  1704, 
during  the  Spanish  succession  war. 

3.  NORTH  OF  THE  DANUBE. 

NUREMBERG,  is  an  old  manufacturing  and  commercial  city, 
the  aspect  of  which  reminds  the  visitor  of  the  middle  ages. 
Here  watches  were  invented  about  the  year  1500.  Popula- 
tion 48,000. 

ERLANGKN  has  a  celebrated  university  and  many  manufactures. 
BAYREUTU,  on  the  Main,  with  a  remarbable  ancient  castle^and  one  of  the 
largest  opera  houses  in  Germany. 

BAMBERG,  near  the  Main,  has  many  splendid  edifices,  and 
the  tomb  of  the  Emperor  Henry  II.  and  his  Empress.  This 
town  claims  to  have  printed  the  first  German  book,  viz  : 
''Bonner's  Fables,"  in  1461.  Population  22,000. 

WURZBURG;  situated  on  the  Main,  in  a  delightful  valley  and 
surrounded  by  vineyards,  has  a  university  and  28,000  inhabi- 
tants. An  extensive  wine  trade  is  carried  on  here. 

4.  IN  THE  ISOLATED  PART  ON  THE  RHINE,  OR  THE  PALATINATE. 

SPIRES,  on  the  Rhine,  was  often  the  place  of  meeting  of 
the  Germanic  Diet.  Here  in  1529,  the  Reformers  presented 
their  famous  protest  to  the  Diet,  which  originated  the  religious 
designation  of  Protestants.  Population  10,000. 

LANDAU  is  also  a  fortified  ancient  Imperial  city. 

III.  THE  KINGDOM  OF  WIRTEMBERG, 

West   of  Bavaria.     The  Schwartzwald  extend  through  the 
southwest,  in  winch  mountains  the  Neckar,  flowing  through 


EUROPE.  343 

this  kingdom,  has  its  source  ;  in  the  eastern  part  is  the  Swa- 
bian  Alps,  a  mountainous  chain  covered  with  forests.  Area 
7,600  square  miles  and  population  1,900,000.  The  inhabi- 
tants are  mostly  Protestants. 

1.  WEST  OF  THE  NECKAR. 

STUTTGART,  the  capital  and  residence  of  the  king,  situated 
in  a  delightful  valley  a  short  distance  from  the  Neckar  and 
surrounded  by  forests  and  vine  clad  hills,  is  a  beautiful  city 
with  46,000  inhabitants. 

LUDWIGSBURG  is  noted  for  its  extensive  royal  palace,  with 
valuable  collections  of  paintings.  In  the  vicinity  is  the  for- 
tified castle  of  Hohenasberg. 

2.  ON  THE  NECKAR  : 

HEILBRONN  in  a  very  fertile  district,  -with  noted  wine  culture. 
ESSLINGEX,  famous  for  its  wine  and  fruit  culture. 

TUBINGEN,  noted  for  its  famed  university,  which  numbers 
the  renowned  Reuchlin  and  Philip  Melanchthon  amongst  its 
earliest  professors. 

3.  EAST  OF  THE  NECKAR. 

REUTLINGEN,  at  the  foot  of  the  Swabian  Alps,  is  noted  for 
its  numerous  printing  offices  and  manufactures.  In  the  vi- 
cinity is  the  Stalactitic  Cave  called  Nebelloch,  480  foet  long. 

ULM,  an  ancient  imperial  city,  situated  on  the  Danube,  at 
its  junction  with  the  Iller,  is  strongly  fortified  and  has  a  mag- 
nificent Gothic  cathedral,  and  19,000  inhabitants.  It  has 
numerous  manufactures. 

IV.  THE  GRAND  DUCHY  OP  BADEN, 

Lies  between  Wirtemberg  and  the  Rhine,  which  forms  its 
boundary  on  the  borders  of  Switzerland  and  France.  The 
Danube  rises  here,  in  the  Schwartzwald.  The  Grand 
Duchy  comprises  5,950  square  miles,  and  1,400,000  inhabi- 
tants, one  part  of  whom  are  Protestants  and  the  other  Catholics. 

MANNHEIM,  a  handsome  city  at  the  confluence  of  the 
Rhine  and  Neckar,  with  an  extensive  palace,  and  24,000 
inhabitants,  who  carry  on  a  large  trade. 

HEIDELBERG,  on  the  Neckar,  is  chiefly  celebrated  for  its 
university.  Here  a  wine  tun  of  enormous  dimensions, 
(Weinfass)  is  shown  to  strangers. 

CARLSRUHE,  the  capital,  is  beautifully  and  regularly  built, 


344  GEOGRAPHICAL   HAND  BOOK. 

in  the  form  of  a  fan.  The  Grand  Ducal  palace  stands  in  the 
centre,  from  which  32  public  avenues  radiate.  Population 
25,000. 

RASTADT,  is  known  from  the  peace  of  1714,  which  ended  the  war  of  the 
Spanish  succession. 

BADKN,  one  of  the  most  frequented  watering  places  in  Germany. 
FRKIBUEG,  has  a  celebrated  university.     "Wine  and  fruit  culture. 

CONSTANCE,  on  the  lake  of  its  own  name,  is  celebrated  in 
history  as  the  place  in  which  the  council  of  the  Romish 
church  met  from  1414  to  1418,  which  condemned  John  Huss 
and  Jerome  of  Prague,  as  heretics. 

V  and  VI.  THE  TWO  PRINCIPALITINS  OF  HOHENZOLLERN, 

Lie  between  Wirtemberg  and  Baden,  with  458  square  miles  and  66,000  in- 
habitants. 

In  the  Principality  of  Hohenzollern-IIechingen,  with  an  area  of  117 
square  miles  and  22,000  inhabitants,  is  built  the  capital,  Heehingen,  and  the 
lineal  castle  of  the  princely  house  of  Hohenzollern. 

la  the  Principality  of  Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen,  with  341  square  miles 
and  44,030  inhabitants,  is  Sigmaringen,  the  capital,  on  the  Danube. 

VII.  THE  PRINCIPALITY  OF  LICHTENSTEIN, 

With  63  square  miles  and  6,400  inhabitants,  lies  on  the  Rhine,  between 
Switzerland  and  the  Tyrol.  Lichtenstein  is  tbe  capital, 

CENTRAL  GERMANY. 

VIII.  THE  KINGDOM  OF  SAXONY, 

The  smallest  kingdom  in  Europe,  is  almost  entirely  sur- 
rounded by  the  Austrian  and  Prussian  dominions,  and  is 
divided  by  the  Elbe  flowing  through  it.  On  the  southern 
border  lie  the  Erzgebirge,  some  spurs  of  which  extend  a 
considerable  distance  into  Saxony.  A  picturesque  group  of 
rocky  hills  rises  along  the  Elbe,  in  the  vicinity  of  Dresden, 
which  are  interspersed  with  romantic  valleys.  These 
hills  are  much  visited  and  are  known  under  the  nairie  of 
"  Saxon  Switzerland."  Saxony  has  an  area  of  5,800  square 
miles,  and  2,000,000  inhabitants,  most  of  whom  are  evangel- 
ical Christians.  The  people  of  Saxony  are  greatly  engaged 
in  the  manufacture  of  linen,  cotton,  woolen  and  lace  fabrics. 

1.  ON  THE  ELBE. 

DRESDEN,  the  capital,  is  a  beautiful  city  with  numerous 
treasures  of  art  and  100,000  inhabitants.  The  chief  objects  of 
interest  are  the  Royal  Palace ;  the  picture  gallery,  the  gem  of 


EUROPE.  345 

Dresden  ;  the  green  vault,  containing  immense  collections  of 
precious  stones,  pearls  and  works  of  art;  the  Japanese  Palace 
with  the  museum  of  antiquities ;  and  the  splendid  bridge 
over  the  Elbe.  The  magnificent  summer  residence  of  the 
royal  family  called  Pilnitz  is  in  the  vicinity. 

MEISSEN  has  the  oldest  porcelain  manufactory  in  Europe, 
erected  in  1710,  by  Bottger  the  inventor  of  the  article. 

PIRN  A,  noted  for  its  quarries. 

KOXIGSTEIN,  an  impregnable  fortress  upon  a  rock  1,400  feet  high. 

2.  WEST  OF  THE  ELBE. 

LEIPSIC  is  one  of  the  most  important  commercial  cities  in 
Germany,  with  60,000  inhabitants.  It  has  a  university,  three 
large  annual  fairs,  and  is  the  centre  of  the  German  book  trade. 
Napoleon  was  defeated  here  in  1813. 

FREIBERG  is  a  celebrated  mining  town,  surrounded  with 
rich  silver  mines.  It  has  a  mining  academy. 

CHEMNITZ  is  the  seat  of  the  Saxon  cotton  manufactures, 
with  30,000  inhabitants. 

PLAUEN  has  important  muslin  manufacturer. 

ANNABERG,  a  mining  town,  noted  also  for  its  ribbon  and  lace  manufacturer. 

3.  EAST  OF  THE  ELBE. 

BAUTZEN,  on  the  Spree,  is  noted  for  its  cloth  and  linen 
manufactures.  Victory  of  Napoleon,  1813. 

Near  Bautzen  lies  the  village  of  Hochkirch  famed  for  the  defeat  of  Frede- 
erick  the  Great,  by  the  Austrian  General  Daun,  in  1758. 

HERNHUT,  a  small  neat  and  beautiful  village  is  notedas  the  mother  colony 
of  the  sect  of  Moravians,  founded  in  1722  by  the  pious  Count  Zinzendorf. 

IX— X.  THE  PRINCIPALITIES  OF  REUSS, 

Lie  between  Saxony  and  Bavaria,  on  the  rivers  Saale  and  Elster,  and  em- 
brace 596  square  miles,  and  110,000  inhabitants.  The  Frankenwald  rises  in 
the  Southern 'part. 

1.  REUSS  OF  THE  ELDER  LINE  has  149  square  miles  and  35,000  inhabitants, 
GREIZ,  on  the  Elster,  is  the  capital. 

2.  REUSS  OF  THE  YOUNGER  LINE   has  447  square  miles  and  75,000  in- 
habitants. 

GERA,  on  the  Elster,  is  the  most  considerable  town. 

XI.  THE  PRINCIPALITY  OF  SCHWARZBURG-SONDERSHAUSEN, 

Lies  in  the  circuit  of  the  Prussian  Province  of  Saxony,  and  has  an  extent 
of  330  square  miles,  with  60,000  inhabitants. 
SONDKRSUAUSEN  is  the  capital. 

XII.  THE  PRINCIPALITY  OF  SCHWARTZBURG-RUDOLSTADT, 
Lies  between  the  Saxon  Duchies.      This  Duchy  is  traversed  by  the  Thur- 

P* 


346  GEOGRAPHICAL   HAND  BOOK. 

ingerwald,  and  comprises  an  area  of  330  square  miles  and  7C,000  inhabitants. 
RUDOLSTADT  on  the  Saale,  is  the  capital. 

XI11— XV.  THE  THREE  SAXON  DUCHIES. 

These  Duchies  are  principally  surrounded  by  the  kingdom 
of  Saxony,  Prussian  Saxony,  Hesse-Cassel  and  Bavaria,  and 
nre  partially  traversed  by  the  Thuringerwald.  They  have 
an  area  of  2,300  square  miles  and  430,000  inhabitants. 

1.  SAxE-CoBURG-GoTHA,with  144,000  inhabitants. 
COBURG,  is  the  capital  of  the  Duchy,  and  alternately  with 

Gotha,  the  residence  of  the  Duke. 

GOTHA,  has  the  oldest  normal  school  in  Germany.  On 
the  neighboring  hill  of  Seeburg,  a  celebrated  observatory  is 
erected. 

2.  SAXE  ALTENBURG,  with  127,500  inhabitants. 
ALTENBURG,  the  capital  and  residence  of  the  Duke.     Near 

the  town  is  the  castle,  noted  for  the  kidnapping 
of  the  princes  in  1455.  Kunz  of  Kanfingen,  the  knight, 
perpetrated  the  deed,  but  his  life  paid  the  penalty. 

3.  SAXE  MEININGEN-HILDBURGHAUSEN,  with  158,500    in- 
habitants. 

MEININGEN,  the  capital,  is  situated  in  a  valley,  on  the  Werra. 

XVI.  THE  GRAND  DUCHY  OF  SAXE  WEIMAR, 

Consists  of  two  detached  portions,  Weimar  and  Eisenach, 
and  is  bordered  by  the  Prussian  province  of  Saxony.  All 
E  senach  is  traversed  by  the  Thuringerwald.  Area  1,430 
square  miles.  Population  254,000,  the  principal  part  of 
whom  are  Protestants, 

WEIMAR  the  capital,  with  a  celebrated  map  establishment. 
Schiller  and  Goethe,  the  celebrated  German  poets,  spent  a 
great  portion  of  their  time  here, 

JENA,  upon  the  river  Saale,  has  a  university.  Here  in 
1806,  the  Prussians  were  completely  routed  by  Napoleon. 

EISENACH,  is  memorable  chiefly  from  its  nearness  to  the  Wartburg  Castle, 
in  which  Luther  was  confined,  and  where  he  spent  nearly  a  year,  engaged  in 
the  translation  of  the  Bible. 

XVII.  THE  ELECTORATE  OF  HESSE  CASSEL, 

Js  bounded  by  Bavaria,  Hanover  and  the  Prussian  States. 
Here  flow  the  Lahn,  the  Main  and  the  Weser,  affluents  of 
the  Rhine ;  the  Weser  being  formed  by  the  junction  of  the 
Werra  and  Fulda.  The  electorate  contains  4,450  square 


EUROPE.  341 

miles  and  750,000  inhabitants,  principally  members  of  the 
Reformed  church. 

CASSEL,  the  capital,  is  a  handsome  city,  situated  on  the 
Fulda.  The  castle  of  Wilhelmshoe,  one  ot  the  most  splen- 
did princely  residences  in  Europe,  is  distant  about  two  miles 
from  the  city.  Near  the  castle  is  a  fountain  whose  stream 
spouts  196  feet  high. 

MARBURG,  on  the  Lahn,  with  its  university,  and  HANAU  on 
the  Main,  with  its  manufactures,  are  places  of  some  note. 

SCHMALKALDEN,  is  memorable  in  history  as  the  place  where  the  Protestant 
princes  of  Germany  united  in  1531,  to  defend  their  faith  against  the 
Emperor  and  the  Catholic  powers. 

XVIII.  THE  GRAND   DUCHY  OF  HESSE, 

Consists  of  two  isolated  parts,  which  together  make  3,260 
square  miles.  The  one  part  lies  north  of  the  Main,  with 
the  Vogelsberg ;  the  other  south  of  it  and  is  traversed  by  the 
Rhine  ;  here  also  is  the  Odenwald.  The  whole  has  850,000 
inhabitants,  principally  of  the  Protestant  faith. 

1.  IN  THE  SOUTHERN  PART. 

DARMSTADT,  the  capital  and  ducal  residence, has  31,000  in- 
habitants.  A  beautiful  mountain  highway,  40  miles  long,  made 
by  the  Romans, leads  from  this  place  to  Heidelberg. 

OFFENBACH,  on  the  Main,  is  the  chief  manufacturing  town  of  the  Grand 
Duchy. 

MENTZ,  an  ancient  and  the  strongest  fortified  city  of  the 
Germanic  Confederation,  upon  the  Rhine,  opposite  the  Main, 
has  36,000  inhabitants.  Here  the  art  of  printing  was  invent- 
ed about  the  year  1440,  by  John  Guttenburg,  to  whose  mem- 
ory a  monument  stands  here,  sculptured  by  the  celebrated 
Thorwaldsen. 

WORMS,  situated  upon  the  Rhine,  is  celebrated  in  history 
as  the  place  in  which  the  Germanic  Diet  assembled  in  1521, 
before  which  Luther  made  his  celebrated  defense  to  the  Em- 
peror Charles  V. 

IN  THE  NORTHERN  PART. 

GIESSEN,  on  the  Lahn,  has  a  University. 

XIX.  THE  DUCHY  OF  NASSAU, 

Lies  between  the  Prussian  and  the  Grand  Ducal  possessions 
of  Hesse,  and  is  bordered  by  the  Rhine  and  the  Main,  and 
intersected  by  the  Lahn.  The  duchy  contains  1,710  square 
miles  and  420,000  inhabitants,  mostly  Protestants. 


348  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

WIESBADEN,  the  capital  is  situated  in  a  delightful  valley, 
encompassed  by  vine  clad  hills.  It  is  famed  for  its  hot 
springs  which  attract  many  visitors. 

SELTERS  or  NIEDERSELTERS,  celebrated  for  its  mineral  waters,  great  quan- 
tities of  which  are  sold  annually. 

HOCHHEIM,  RUDESHEIM,  MARKEBRU  JUT  and  AsMANSHAusEN,  are  Tillages  noted 
for  their  wines. 

XX.  THE  LANDGRAVIATE  OF  HESSE-HOMBURG, 
Consists  of  two  parts,  on'e  of  which  lies  between  the  Grand 
Duchy  of  Hesse  and  Nassau,  and  the  other  upon  the  left 
bank  of  the  Rhine,  and   it  contains   128  square  miles,  and 
26,000  inhabitants. 

HOMBURO  (vor  der  Hohe)  is  the  capital. 

XXL  THE  FREE  CITY  OF  FRANKFORT. 

This  city,  is  situated  on  the  Main,  in  a  delightful  region 
between  the  Grand  Duchies  of  Hesse  Cassel  and  Hesse 
Darmstadt,  has  an  area  of  42j  square  miles,  and  68,000  in- 
habitants. Its  trade  is  extensive  and  its  fairs  though  less 
than  formerly,  are  yet  amongst  the  most  splendid  and  most 
frequented  in  Europe.  Here  the  Federative  Diet  of  the  Ger- 
man Confederacy  holds  its  sessions. 

XXII.    THE  GRAND  DUCHY  OF    LUXEMBURG,  WITH  HOLLANDISH 

LIMBURG. 

See  the  kingdom  of  the  Netherlands. 

NORTH  GERMANY. 

XXIII.  THE  DOMINIONS  OF  THE  KING  OF  PRUSSIA. 

The  German  possessions  of  Prussia  consist  of  two  large 
portions  of  territory  of  unequal  size,  isolated  from  each  other; 
the  larger  of  which  lies  in  the  northeastern,  and  the  smaller 
in  the  western  part  of  Germany.  The  area  of  both  amounts 
to  72,000  square  miles,  and  their  population  12,500,000,  the 
great  majority  of  whom  belong  to  the  Protestant  church. 

These  possessions  are  divided  into  six  provinces. 

1.  THE  PROVINCE  OF  BRANDENBURG, 

Is  intersected  by  several  rivers  flowing  through  it;  the  Oder 
in  the  east ;  the  Havel  and  one  of  its  affluents,  the  Spree,  in 
the  interior,  and  in  the  west,  the  Elbe, 


EUROPE.  349 

BERLIN,  situated  on  the  Spree,  is  the  capital  of  the  king- 
dom of  Prussia  and  the  residence  of  the  sovereign.  It  has 
one  of  the  most  famous  universities  in  Europe  and  impor- 
tant manufactures,  especially  the  royal  porcelain  manufactory, 
and  the  royal  iron  foundery.  The  objects  of  interest  are:  the 
royal  castle,  the  armory,  the  institute  of  invalids,  the  new 
museum  of  arts,  the  opera,  the  new  splendid  theatre,  the 
remarkable  Brandenburg  gate,  with  the  statue  of  Victory 
driving  lour  horses,  the  equestrian  statue  of  Frederick  the 
Great,  the  six  statues  of  the  famed  generals  of  the  seven 
years  war,  and  the  handsome  bronze  statue  ol  Blucher.  The 
royal  palace  of  Charlottenburg  lies  five  miles  from  the  city, 
and  the  way  thither  leads  through  the  magnificent  park 
called  the  Thiergarten.  Population  450,000. 

SPANDAU  on  the  Harel,  is  noted  for  its  fortress. 

POTSDAM,  also  on  the  Havel,  has  a  large  manufactory  of  arms, 
and  a  military  orphan  asylum,  several  royal  castles,  and 
40,000  inhabitants.  The  royal  palaces  lie  in  the  vicinity. 

BRANDENBURG,  one  of  the  most  ancient  cities  of  the  kingdom,  with  great 
woolen  manufactures. 

KubTRiN,  a  strongly  fortified  town  on  the  Oder  and  W&rtha.  North  of 
this  lies  the  village  of  Zorndorf,  where  Frederick  the  Great  gained  a  victory 
over  the  Russians,  in  1758. 

FRANKFORT,  (on  the  Oder,)  is  an  important  commercial 
city,  with  three  annual  fairs,  and  30,000  inhabitants. 

North  of  Frankfort,  near  the  village  of  Kunnersdorf,  Frederick  the  Great 
suffered  a  severe  defeat,  by  the  Russians,  in  1759. 

2.  THE  PROVINCE  OF  POMERANIA, 

Lies  upon  the  Baltic,  on  both  sides  of  the  Oder. 

STETTIN,  a  strongly  fortified  and  the  chief  commercial  city 
and  seaport  of  Prussia,  situated  on  the  Oder,  with  45,000  in- 
habitants. 

STRALSUND,  a  fortified  and  commercial  city  on  the  strait  of 
Gellen,  which  separates  the  island  of  Rugen  from  continen- 
tal Pomerania.  Population  18,500. 

COLBERO,  a  fortified  and  commercial  city  on  the  Baltic,  with  noted  Salt 
works. 

STARGARD,  with  linen  and  cloth  manufactures. 

To  this  province  belong  the  islands  of  Rugen  with  the 
town  of  Bergen,  Usedom  with  Swiriemunde,  where  heavily 
laden  vessels  sailing  for  the  Baltic  are  lightened,  am] 
Wollin  with  a  town  of  the  same  name. 


350  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

3.  THE  PROVINCE  OF  SILESIA, 

Is  traversed   by  the  Oder,  arid   the  Riesengebirge  form  the 
western  boundary  against  Bohemia. 

ON    THE  ODER. 
BRIEG  has  linen  and  cloth  manufactures. 

BRESLAU  is  the  second  city  of  Prussia,  having  an  exten- 
sive commerce,  a  university,  numerous  scientific  institutions, 
two  large  annual  fairs  and  130,000  inhabitants. 

In  the  vicinitj  of  Leuthen,  northwest  of  Breslau,  Frederick  the  Great 
achieved,  in  1757,  a  victory  over  the  Austrians. 

GROSS-GLOGAU  is  a  fortress. 

WEST  OF  THE  ODER. 
LIEGNITZ,  on  the  Katzbach,  with  cloth  manufactures. 

Near  Liegnitz  lies  the  village  of  Wahlstatt,  where  the  Silesian  dukes 
were  defeated,  in  1241,  by  the  Mongols,  and  where  Blucher  gained  a  victory 
over  the  French  in  1813. 

GORLITZ,  on  the  Neisse,  has  important  cloth,  linen  and  leather  manufac- 
tures. 

HIRSCHBBRG  has  a  considerable  linen  trade. 

GLATZ  is  noted  for  its  strong  fortress. 

4.  THE  PROVINCE   OF  SAXONY. 

This  province  is  drained  by  the  Elbe  and  two  of  its  tribu- 
taries, the  Saale  and  the  Mulde ;  here  rises  the  Brocken 
or  Blocksberg,  the  highest  peak  of  the  Hartz  mountains,  up- 
on which  stands  the  Brockenhaus. 

CITIES  ON  THE  ELBE. 

MAGDEBURG  is  a  firmly  fortified  city  and  carries  on  an  ex- 
tensive trade.  On  the  10th  of  May,  1631,  this  city  was  taken 
by  storm,  and  the  inhabitants  given  up  to  massacre  by  Tilly. 
Population  70,000. 

WITTENBERG  is  famed  in  history,  as  the  place  where  the 
Lutheran  reformation  began,  in  1517,  and  here  are  the  tombs 
of  the  two  leading  reformers,  Luther  and  Melanchthon.  A 
colossal  statue  stands  in  the  market  square,  erected  to  the  former. 

TORGAU,  a  fortified  town  in  the  vicinity  of  which  Frederick  II.  gained  a 
victory  over  the  Austrians,  in  1760. 

ON  THE  SAALE. 

HALLE,  on  the  river  Saale,  has  a  noted  university,  a  cele- 
brated orphan  asylum,  extensive  salt  works,  and  35,000  in- 
habitants. 


EUROPE.  351 

MERSEBURG.  noted  for  its  excellent  beer. 

South  east  of  Merseburg  is  the  town  of  Lutzen,  memorable  for  the  battle 
fought  in  1632,  in  which  Gustavus  Adolphus,  the  bulwark  of  Protestantism, 
gained  the  victory,  but  fell  in  the  action.  A  monument  of  cast  iron  was 
here  erected  to  him,  in  1837. 

NAUMBURG  holds  two  annual  fairs  and  carries  on  a  lively 
trade. 

Left  of  the  Saale,  near  the  village  of  Rossbach,  Frederick  II.  vanquished 
the  French,  in  1757. 

WEST  OF  THE  SAALE. 

ERFURT  a  fortified  city  with  32,000  inhabitants.  The  an- 
cient Augustine  monastery  in  which  Luther  was  a  monk,  is 
yet  extant  as  an  orphan  asylum.  The  massive  bell  of  the 
cathedral  is  one  of  the  curiosities  of  the  place. 

EISLEBEN  is  noted  as  the  town  where  Martin  Luther  was 
born,  1483,  and  where  he  died  in  1546. 

HALBERSTADT  is  noted  for  its  ancient  Gothic  cathedral. 
5.  THE  PROVINCE  OF  WESPHALIA. 

This  province  contains  the  Wesergebirge  and  a  part  of  the  Teutoburger 
Forest,  in  which  Hermann  annihilated  the  legions  of  Varus,  9,  A.  D.  This  is 
called  the  German  battle  of  freedom. 

Minister  has  a  considerable  linen  trade  and  25,000  inhabi- 
tants. Here  the  peace  was  concluded  in  1648,  which  termi- 
nated the  30  years  war. 

MINDEN,  on  the  Weser,  is  a  commercial  and  fortified  city 
near  which  is  the  Westphalian  Gate,  an  opening  of  the 
Weser  mountains,  through  which  the  Weser  river  rushes 
with  tremendous  roaring. 

BIELEFELD  is  renowned  for  its  linen  manufacture. 

PADKRBORN,  is  an  old,  badly  built  city  near  the  Tetuoburger  forest. 

ISBRLOHN  and  ALTEJJA,  are  important  manufacturing  towns. 

G.     THE  RHENISH  PROVINCE,  ' 

Consists  of  Julich-Cleve-Berg  and  the  Lower  Rhine. 

CITIES  ON  THE  RHINE. 
WKSEL,  a  fortified  town  at  the  entrance  of  the  Lippe  into  the  Rhino. 

DUSSELDORF,  is  a  flourishing  commercial  city  with  many 
manufacturing  establishments  and  30,000  inhabitants.  The 
Hofgarten  is  one  of  the  finest  parks  in  Prussia. 

COLOGNE,  is  a  large  and  strongly  fortified  city,  with  95,000 
inhabitants.  It  has  an  extensive  trade  and  great  manufac- 
tures, especially  of  Cologne  water  (can  de  Cologne)  which  is 
prepared  in  many  of  its  establishments.  Worthy  of  note  is 
the  large  but  yet  unfinished  cathedral. 


352  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND   BOOK. 

BONN,  with  a  university  and  great  wine  culture. 

COBLENTZ  is  a  strongly  fortified  city  at  the  junction  of  the 
Moselle  and  Rhine,  opposite  the  fortress  of  Ehrenbreitstein. 
It  has  many  remarkable  ancient  edifices.  Population  23,000. 
EAST  OF  THE  RHINE. 

ELBERFELD,  one  of  the  most  important  manufacturing 
cities  of  Prussia,  with  38,000  inhabitants. 

SOLINGEN  and  REMSCHEID,  are  famed  for  their  iron  and  steel  works. 

WEST  OF  THE  RHINE. 

KREFELD,  five  miles  from  the  Rhine,  is  renowned  for  its  silks  and  velvets, 
with  30,000  inhabitants. 

Aix  LA  CHAPELLE,  is  an  ancient  city,  replete  with  historic 
recollections,  and  has  many  objects  of  curiosity.  It  was  the 
birth  place  and  favorite  residence  of  Charlemagne,  who 
built  its  celebrated  cathedral,  in  which  his  remains  lie  en- 
tombed. The  coronation  of  55  German  Emperors  took  place 
within  the  walls  of  this  cathedral.  An  important  treaty  was 
concluded  in  this  city  in  1748,  and  a  congress  of  the  Great 
Powers  met  here  in  1818.  The  inhabitants  are  engaged  in 
considerable  manufactures.  Population  48,000. 

TREVES,  on  the  Moselle,  is  an  old  city  with  many  ancient 
monuments  of  the  Romans,  and  20,000  inhabitants.  Wine 
culture. 

XXIV— XXV.  THE  TWO  GRAND  DUCHIES  OF  MECKLENBURG. 
1.  MECKLENBURG-STRELITZ, 

Is  encompassed  by  Brandenburg,  Pomerania,  and  Schwerin. 
Area  1,110  square  miles.  Population  100,000,  mostly  Lu- 
therans. 

NEW  STRELITZ,  the  capital  and  residence  of  the  Grand 
Duke,  is  built  in  the  form  of  an  asterisk,  the  market  forming 
the  centre,  from  which  the  streets  radiate. 

OLD  STRELITZ,  is  two  miles  distant 

NEW  BRANDENBURG,  a  city  built  in  a  circular  form,  with  a  castle  and  noted 
wool  markets. 

2.  MECKLENBURG-SCHWERIN, 

On  the  Baltic,  between  Pomerania  and  Lauenburg,  has  4,850 
square  miles  and  515,000  inhabitants,  who  are  generally 
Lutherans. 

SCHWERIN,  the  capital  of  the  Duchy,  is  situated  on  the  lake 
of  that  name.  Upon  an  island  of  the  lake,  the  Grand  Dura] 
palace  is  erected. 


EUROPE.  353 

LUDWIQSLUBT,  the  usual  residence  of  the  Grand  Duke. 

WISMAR,  has  a  fine  harbor,  and  some  trade  and  manufac- 
tures. It  was  once  one  of  the  leading  Hanse  towns. 

ROSTOCK,  near  the  Baltic,  contains  the  harbor  of  Warne- 
munde.  It  is  a  considerable  commercial  city,  with  a  univer- 
sity, and  was  also  a  Hanse  town. 

XXVI.  THE  DUCHY  OF  HOLSTEIN  WITH  LAUENBURG. 
See  Denmark. 

IXXVII.  THE  FREE  CITY  OF  LUBEC. 

This  city  lies  on  the  river  Trave,  between  Mecklenburg 
and  Holstein,  not  far  from  the  Baltic,  and  it  has  an  area  of 
160  square  miles  and  55,000  inhabitants.  Large  vessels  lie 
at  the  harbor  of  Travcmunde.  This  city  has  declined 
since  it  was  the  leading  Hanse  town. 

XXVIII.  THE  FREE  CITY  OF  HAMBURG, 

Is  situated  on  the  Elbe  and  Alster,  about  70  miles  from  the 
mouth  of  the  former,  and  it  comprises  an  area  of  150  square 
miles  and  170,000  inhabitants.  The  city  proper  numbers 
140,000  inhabitants  and  is  the  commercial  emporium  of  Ger- 
many, and  one  of  the  most  important  trading  cities  of  Europe, 
the  harbor  of  which  is  annually  visited  by  over  2000  vessels. 
The  principal  public  buildings  are,  the  celebrated  Bank,  the 
Exchange  and  the  Halls  of  the  Exchange,  the  place  of  meet" 
ing  of  the  merchants,  with  a  library  and  the  most  important 
papers  and  periodicals  of  all  countries.  Amongst  the  many 
excellent  educational  institutions  of  this  city,  the  Gymnasium 
called  the  Johanneum,'  in  memory  of  John  Bugenhagen, 
must  be  mentioned.  The  manufacturing  establishments  of 
Hamburg  are  numerous,  of  which  are  200  sugar  refineries. 
In  the  district  of  Ritzebuttel  lies  Cuxhafen  at  the  mouth  of 
the  Elbe,  with  a  harbor  and  sea  baths. 

XXIX.  THE  KINGDOM  OF  HANOVER, 

Lies  on  the  North  sea,  in  the  northwestern  part  of  Germany, 
and  is  traversed  by  the  rivers  Weser  and  Ems,  and  the 
northeastern  border  is  washed  by  the  Elbe.  The  Upper 
Hartz  mountains  lie  in  the  southern  part.  It  has  an  area  of 
15,000  square  miles, 'and  1,800,000  inhabitants.  The  ruling 
sovereign,  George  V.,  was  bom  blind. 

1.  In  the  southern  part  between  the  Weser  and  the  AHer, 


354  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

HANOVER,  the  capital,  is  situated  on   the   Leine,  and  has 

50,000    inhabitants.     In  the  vicinity  lie  Herrenhausen  and 

Mountbriliant,  the  magnificent  country  residences  of  the  royal 

family,  the  former  having  a  spring  of  water  which  ejects  a 

stream  a  foot  thick  to  the  height  of  120  feet. 

HILDESHEIM,  has  a  beautiful  cathedral  in  which  stands  the 
sixteen  feet  high  Irmen  statue  of  green  stone,  one  of  the  idols 
of  the  ancient  Saxons. 

GogLAR  is  noted  for  its  breweries. 

CLA.USTHAL  and  ZELLERFELD  are  famed  mining  towns, 

OSTERODE,  at  the  foot  of  the  Hartz  mountains,  is  the  most 
important  manufacturing  town  of  Hanover. 

GOTTINGEN,  on  the  Leine,  is  one  of  the  literary  capitals  of 
the  world,  and  has  the  most  celebrated  university  of  Ger- 
many, next  to  Berlin,  founded  by  George  II.,  of  England. 
Population  12,000. 

2.    IN  THE  NORTHERN  PART: 

CELLS,  on  the  Aller.  Here  queen  Caroline  Matilda,  after  lier  divorce  from 
the  Danish  king  Christian,  lived  in  banishment  until  her  death  in  1775.  She 
was  the  sister  of  George  III.,  of  England. 

VERDEN,  also  on  the  Aller,  has  celebrated  mineral  springs. 

LUNEBURG,  on  the  Ilmenau  river,  thus  far  navigable,  enjoys 
an  active  trade,  and  has  profitable  salt  works. 
HARBURG,  on  the  Elbe,  is  the  crossing  place  to  Hamburg. 

3.  IN  THE  WESTERN  PART: 

EMDEN,  a  thriving  commercial  town  on  the  bay  of  Dollarl* 
where  the  Ems  empties.  Here  are  considerable  herring 
fisheries. 

OSNABURG,  with  the  beautiful  hall  in  which  the  peace  of 
Westphalia  was  negotiated  in  1648,  which  ended  the  30 
years  war.  Its  linen  trade  is  important. 

XXX.  THE  GRAND  DUCHY  OF  OLDENBURG. 

The  possessions  of  the  Grand  Duke  lie  very  isolated  from 
each  other.  The  aggregate  area  amounts  to  2,470  square 
miles,  and  it  contains  275,000  inhabitants,  most  of  whom 
are  Lutherans. 

a.  THE  DUCHY  OF  OLDENBURG, lies  upon  the  river  Weser  and 
the  North  Sea,  and  is  encompassed  on  both    sides  by  the 
kingdom  of  Hanover. 

OLDENBURG,  on  the  Hunte,  is  the  capital. 

b.  THE  PRINCIPALITY  OF  LUBEC,  on  the  Baltic,  is  surrounded 
by  the  Duchy  of  Holstein,  and  it  contains  the  town  of  Eutin, 
on  the  lake  of  this  name,  with  charming  environs. 


EUROPE.  355 

c.  THB  PRINCIPALITY  OF  BIRKENFKLD,  on  the  left  bank  of  the  Rhine,  between 
the  Prussian  province  of  the  Rhine  and  the  Palatinate,  has  a  town  of 
the  same  name. 

XXXI.  THE  FREE  CITY  OF  BREMEN, 

Is  situated  on  the  Weser,  between  Hanover  and  Oldenburg 
75  miles  distant  from  the  North  Sea,  and  has  an  area  of  105 
square  miles,  and  76,000  inhabitants.  The  city  proper  con- 
tains 53,000  inhabitants,  who  carry  on  an  important  com- 
merce, especially  with  America.  Merchantmen  are  unable 
to  enter  the  city,  but  stop  at  the  new  harbor  of  Bremen,  40 
miles  below  it,  where  they  load  and  unload  their  cargoes. 
Amongst  the  interesting  edifices  are  the  Cathedral  and  the 
Old  Town  Hall,  with  the  celebrated  vaults.  Beneath  the 
cathedral  is  the  celebrated  Bleikeller,  (leaden  cellar)  which 
has  the  peculiarity  of  preserving  corpses  in  it  from  decompo- 
sition for  ages ;  and  under  the  town  hall  is  a  wine  cellar, 
containing  excellent  Rhine  and  Moselle  wine,  made  in  the 
17th  century.  Before  the  reformation,  Bremen,  was  the  See 
of  the  Archbishop  of  the  whole  north. 

XXXII.  THE  PRINCIPALITY  OF    SCHAUMBURG-LIPPE, 

Lies  between  Hanover  and  the  Prussian  province  of  Westphalia,  and  has 
170  square  miles  and  30,000  inhabitants. 
BUCKEBERO  is  the  capital. 

XXXIII.  THE  PRINCIPALITY  OF    LIPPE-DETMOLD, 

Lies  further  south,  and  contains  450  square  miles  and  110,000  inhabitants. 
DETMOLD  is  the  capital. 

XXXIV.  THE  PRINCIPALITY  OF  WALDECK, 

Is  bounded  by  Hesse-Ca,ssel  and  Westphalia,  and  it  has  450  square  miles 
and  02,000  inhabitants.  The  district  of  Pyrmont  is  a  detached  portion 
belonging  to  this  principality,  and  it  contains  the  town  of  Pyrmont,  noted 
for  its  mineral  waters. 

XXXV.  THE  DUCHY  OF  BRUNSWICK. 

Consists  of  several  detached  parts  lying  upon  the  Weser, 
Leine  and  Ocker,and  is  encompassed  by  the  Hanoverian  and 
Prussian  provinces.  It  has  an  area  of  1,530  square  miles, 
and  270,000  inhabitants,  principally  Protestants. 

BRUNSWICK,  the  capital,  situated  on  the  Ocker,is  a  thriving 
commercial  city,  holding  annually  several  largely  frequented 
fairs,  and  has  a  population  of  45,000. 

WOLFENBUTTKL,  on  the  Ocker,  has  one  of  the  largest  libraries  in  Europe. 
BLANKENBURQ,  at  the  foot  of  the  Hartz  mountains.     In  the  ricinity  are 
two  remarkable  caves,  called  Baumannshohle  and  Bielsteinhohle. 


356  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

LUTTEB  (am  Barenberge)  also  at  the  foot  of  the  Hartz  mountains,  is  cele- 
brated for  the  defeat  of  Christian  IV.,  of  Denmark,  by  Tilly,  in  1626. 

XXXVI— XXXVIII.   THE  THREE  DUCHIES  OF  ANHALT. 

These  duchies  lie  ou  the  Elbe,  Mulde  and  Saale,  and  are  almost  surround- 
ed by  the  Prussian  provinces  of  Saxony  and  Brandenburg.  They  contain 
1,022  square  miles  and  158,000  inhabitants. 

1.  ANHALT-DESSAU,  with  65,000  inhabitants. 
DESSAU,  on  the  Mulde,  is  the  capital. 

2.  ANHALT-BERNBURQ,  with  51,000  inhabitants. 
BBRNBTJRG,  on  the  Saale  is  the  capital. 

3.  ANHALT-COTHBN,  with  42,000  inhabitants. 
COTHBN,  the  former  capital. 


ASIA. 

Area  16,000,000  square  miles.    Population  600,000,000. 

Asia  is  the  largest  and  most  populous  division  of  the  globe. 
It  is  remarkable  as  having  been  the  scene  of  many  of  the 
most  important  events  that  the  history  of  the  world  furnishes*  It 
was  the  ancient  seat  of  Christianity,  civilization,  the  arts,  science 
and  commerce.  Asia  extends  from  1°  to  78°  of  north 
latitude,  and  from  26°  to  170°  east  longitude,  and  is  bounded 
north  by  the  Arctic  ocean,  east  by  the  Pacific,  south  by  the 
Indian  ocean,  and  west  by  the  Red  sea,  the  Mediterranean 
and  Europei 

SEAS  AND  fiAYS.—  THOSE,OF  THE  PACIFIC  OCEAN. 

1.  The  Sea  of  Kamtschatka,  between  the  promontory  so 
named  and  America. 

8,  The  Sea  of  Okhotsk,  west  of  Kamtschatka. 

3.  The  Japan  sea,  between  the  islands  of  Japan  and  the 
continent 

4.  The  Yellow  sea,  between  the  peninsula  of  Corea  and 
China. 

OF  THE  INDIAN  OCEAN. 

1.  The    China  sea,  south  of   China  and   east  of   India, 
with  the  Gulf  of  Siam  in  Farther  India. 

2.  The  Bay  of  Bengal,  between  the  two  peninsulas  of 
Hindostan  and  Farther  India. 

3.  The  Arabian  sea,  between  Hindostan  and  Africa,  with 
the  Persian  and  Arabian  Gulfs. 

STRAITS. 

Besides  those  between  Europe  and  Asia,  which  have  al- 
ready been  described,  we  note  : 

1.  Behring's  or  Cook's  Strait,  which  separates  Asia  from 
America,  60  miles  wide. 

2.  The  Strait  of  Sunda,  between  the  islands  of  Sumatra 
and  Java. 

3.  The   Strait   of  Malacca,  between   Sumatra    and   the 
Malay  peninsula. 

4.  Palk's  Strait9  between  the  island  of  Ceylon  and  Hin- 
dostan. 


358  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

5.  The  Strait  of  Ormus  leads  into  the  Persian  gul£ 

G.  The  Strait  of  Bab  el  Mandeb  (gate  of  danger)  leads 
into  the  Red  sea. 

MOUNTAINS. 

1.  The  Werchoturian  or  Ural  mountains)  between  Europe 
and  Asia. 

2.  The  Siberian  mountains,  which  run  from  west  to  east, 
between  Siberia  and  the  rest  of  Asia,  and  form  the  northern 
border  of  High  Asia. 

The  individual  parts  of  this  chain  are  called,  the  Altai,  the  Sajanian 
and  the  Daourian  mountains.  Northeast  of  these  are  the  Apple  mountains, 
and  besides  these  other  chains  run  along  the  sea  of  Okhotsk  to  Behring  strait, 
from  which  branch  the  Kamtschatka  mountains,  which  terminate  in  Cape 
Lopatka. 

3.  Thian  Shan,  (mountains  of  heaven)  begin  in  the  west 
with  the  Mooz  Tagh,  and  are  connected  in  the  east  with  the 
Bogdo  Oolo,  and  finally  run  into  the  desert  of  Gobi. 

4.  The  Kuenlun  or  Kulkun,  on  the  northern  border  of 
Thibet,  stretch  east  to  the  sources  of  the  Hoang  Ho  and  the 
Yang-tse-Kiang. 

5.  The  Belur   Tagh,  (fog  mountains)  lie  on  the  eastern 
border;  and 

6.  The  Hindoo  GoosJt  lie  on  the  southern  border  of  Independent  Tartary, 
and  are  united  with  the  Belur  Tagh. 

7.  The  Himalaya,  (habitation  of  the  snow)  lie  between 
Thibet  and  Hindostan,  and  form  part  of  the  southern  border 
of  High  Asia.     This  is  the  loftiest  chain  of  mountains  upon 
the  globe,  the  highest  peak,  Kunchinjunga  attaining  an  eleva- 
tion of  28,178  feet. 

8.  The  Ghauts,  run  on  the  west  coast  of  Hindostan  into  Cape  Comorin. 

9.  The  Caucasian  mountains,  between  the  Black  and  the 
Caspian  Seas. 

10.   Taurus  mountains,  in  Asia  Minor  from  which  branch  the  Libanus  and 
Anti  Libanus. 
Snow  decks  the  summits  of  most  of  these  mountains. 

LAKES. 

1.  The  Caspian,  the  largest  lake  in  the  world,  is  760  miles 
long  and  270  wide,  and  it  has  an  area  of  140,000  square 
miles.  2.  The  Aral,  east  of  the  former.  These  two  have 
salt  water  and  no  visible  outlet,  although  they  are  the  recep- 
tacles of  several  large  rivers.  3.  The  Baikal,  on  the  northern 
side  of  the  Siberian  mountains.  These  are  also  called  seas. 


ASIA 
RIVERS. 

Into  the  Arctic  ocean  flow  : 

1.  The  Obi.     2.  The  Yenisei.     3.  The  Lena. 

Into  the  sea  of  Okhotsk : 

4.  Amour. 

Into  the  Yellow  Sea : 

5.  The  Hoang  Ho  or   Yellow  River.     6.   The    Yang-tse 
Kiang   or  the  Blue  River. 

Into  the  China  Sea  and  Gulf  of  Siam : 
7.  The  Mai-Kiang.  8.  The  Mena?n. 
Into  the  Bay  of  Bengal : 

9.  The  Irrawaddy.  10.  The  Brahmaputra.  1 1.  The  Ganges. 
Into  the  Arabian  Sea  and  Persian  Gulf: 
12.  The  Indus.     13.  The  Euphrates  and  Tigris,  under  the 
name  of  Schat  el  <Arab. 
Into  the  Caspian  sea : 
14.  The  Ural.     15.  The  Terek. 
Into  the  Aral  sea  : 
16.  The  Jlmoo,  called  also  the  Jihon  or  Oxus. 

COUNTRIES. 

1.  Asiatic  Russia. 

2.  Asiatic  Turkey. 

3.  Arabia. 

4.  Persia. 

5.  Independent  Tartary. 

6.  India. 

7.  Chinese  Empire, 

8.  Japan. 

1.  ASIATIC  RUSSIA. 

Area  5,350,000  square  miles.     Population  5,00,000. 

Asiatic  Russia  comprises  all  northern  Asia  and  the  Cau- 
casian possessions,  and  the  emperor  of  Russia  governs  these 
countries  by  means  of  viceroys.  Asiatic  Russia  is  composed 
of  two  main  divisions :  1.  Siberia ;  and  2.  Caucasian  Russia. 

1.  SIBERIA,  with  the  Peninsula  of  Kamtschatka,  is  sepa- 
rated from  Europe  on  the  west  by  the  Ural  mountains  and  the 
river  Ural,  and  is  bounded  north  by  the  Arctic  ocean,  east  by 
the  Pacific,  and  south  by  the  Siberian  mountains,  lying  on 
the  frontiers  of  the  Chinese  Empire  and  Independent  Tartary. 
This  vast  region  is  traversed  by  three  large  rivers,  the  Obi, 


360  GEOGRAPHICAL   HAND   BOOK. 

the  Yenisei  and  the  Lena,  all  of  which  rise  in  the  northern 
frontier  mountains  of  High  Asia.  The  Caspian  and  Aral 
seas  lie  on  the  southwestern  border;  but  lake  Baikal  is  en- 
tirely in  Siberia. 

a.   SIBERIA  PROPER. 

The  southwestern  part  of  this  vast  country  contains  large  and 
immeasurable  steppes,  upon  which  few  forests  grow,  and  in- 
deed little  except  grass  and  dry  heath.  Many  of  the  salt  lakes 
which  are  found  in  these  steppes  are  coated  with  a  saline  sur- 
face of  a  foot  thickness.  But  few  of  the  inhabitants  have 
permanent  abodes,  as  the  nomadic  life  which  consists  in  tra- 
versing the  vast  plains  with  their  herds  and  cattle,  possess 
charms  which  allure  the  great  majority  of  the  people.  The 
eastern  portions,  on  the  contrary,  are  intersected  with  moun- 
tains and  forests,  and  present  therefore  a  wilder  aspect.  Be- 
yond the  60th  parallel  of  north  latitude,  Siberia  resembles  a 
desert  where  a  few  wandering  tribes  gain  their  subsistence 
by  fishing  and  the  chase.  Here  dwell  the  Samoieds,  who 
have  already  been  noticed  under  the  head  of  European  Rus- 
sia. East  of  these  rove  the  Yakoots,  who  live  upon  roots, 
the  flesh  of  wild  animals,  mice  and  wild  fowl ;  bread  is  al- 
most unknown  to  them.  They  are  yet  partly  heathen,  hav- 
ing an  idol  called  Tatar.  The  eastern  Yakoots,  who  live  in 
the  south,  are  consanguineous  with  the  Samoieds,  and  live  in 
the  same  manner,  but  are  of  larger  stature.  On  the  afore- 
mentioned steppes  live  the  little  and  middle  hordes  of  Kir- 
gheez.  Abundance  of  wild  animals  are  found  here,  especially 
fur  animals :  the  sable,  the  weasel,  the  squirrel,  the  fox,  the 
glutton,  the  bear,  the  beaver,  the  sea  otter  and  the  white  bear; 
also,  herds  of  wild  horses  and  reindeer.  The  mines,  besides 
the  ordinary  metals,  yield  the  loadstone. 

EKATERINBURG,  situated  on  the  principal  highway  to 
Europe,  is  the  seat  of  the  superior  court  of  the  mining  dis- 
tricts for  all  Siberia,  and  carries  on  a  lively  trade.  The  ma- 
jority of  the  inhabitants  are  Germans. 

TOBOLSK,  on  the  Irtish  river,  is  the  fur  depot  for  all  Sibe- 
ria, with  25,000  inhabitants.  Here  is  erected  a  house  of 
correction  for  exiles. 

TOMSK  and  KOLYVAK,  have  gold  and  silver  mines. 
YENISEISK,  on  the  Yenisei,  holds  a  large  annual  fair. 

IRKUTSK,  situated  30   miles  from  Lake  Baikal,  is  the  chief 


ASIA.  o6l 

commercial  emporium  for  the  Russian  Chinese  trade  and  the 
principal  trading  city  for  eastern  Siberia,  with  22,000  inhabi- 
tants. In  the  contiguous  mountains,  is  a  stalactitic  cavern, 
ten  miles  long,  which  is  supposed  by  the  ignorant  inhabitants 
to  be  the  abode  of  evil  spirits* 

KIACHTA,  on  the  Chinese  border,  is  a  trading  place  for  the 
Russians  and  Chinese.  Tea  and  furs  are  the  principal  arti- 
cles of  trade. 

NERTSCHIXSK,  a  fortified  town  on  the  frontier,  with  gold  and  silver  minei 
in  which  many  exiles  labor. 

YAKUTSK,  on  the  Lena,  has  considerable  fur  trade. 

OKHOTSK,  situated  on  the  sea  so  named,  has  a  good  har- 
bor and  carries  on  a  brisk  trade  with  Kamtschatka  and 
Russian  America.  Here  the  most  culpable  offenders  are  con- 
fined. An  esculent  clay  is  found  in  the  vicinity. 

b.  THE  PENINSULA  OF  KAMTSCHATKA, 

Is  a  cold  barren  region  little  adapted  to  agriculture ;  some 
recent  agricultural  and  horticultural  experiments,  however, 
have  resulted  favorably.  The  eastern  coast  is  covered  with 
forests.  The  inhabitants  subsist  principally  on  fish,  and  dogs 
are  their  only  domestic  animals,  which  are  used  for  drawing 
their  sleds.  The  principal  trade  of  this  region  consists  of 
valuable  furs.  There  are  many  volcanoes  and  hot  springs. 

AWATSKA  is  the  chief  town,  with  a  good  harbor. 
c.  ISLANDS. 

TIIK  KURILE  ISLANDS,  lying  between  Kamtschatka  and  Japan,  belong  only 
partly  to  Siberia.  They  have  no  other  products  except  furs  and  marine 
animals. 

THE  ALEUTIAN  OR  Fox  ISLANDS,  stretching  to  the  peninsula  of  Alaska  in 
America,  are  rocky,  and  contain  many  volcanoes.  The  sea  around  these 
abounds  in  numerous  marine  animals. 

NEW  SIBERIA,  consists  of  some  islands  in  the  Arctic  ocean  entirely  unin- 
habited. They  are  visited  by  Russians  in  the  summer,  for  the  catching  of 
seal  and  walruses. 

2.  CAUCASIAN  RUSSIA, 

Comprises  the  country  between  the  Caspian  and  Black  seas, 
lying  south  of  the  Caucasian  mountains.  Besides  the  chain 
of  the  Caucasian  mountains,  700  miles  long,  which  forms  the 
northern  boundary,  the  sacred  Mount  Ararat,  16,200  feet 
high,  lies  on  the  southwestern  border.  The  portion  of  country 
south  of  the  mountain  chain,  is  a  fine  fertile  district.  The 
whole  country  being  a  continual  slope  from  the  summits  of  the- 

Q 


362  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

the  Caucasian  mountains,  is  subject  to  great  diversities  of  cli- 
mate, and  the  products  comprise  many  common  to  both  trop- 
ical and  temperate  regions.  The  inhabitants  are  principally 
Christians  of  the  Greek  and  Armenian  churches.  The  wo- 
men are  noted  for  their  great  beauty. 

TIFLIS,  on  the  Kur,  the  capital,  is  an  important  commer- 
cial city,  with  celebrated  warm  baths  and  50,000  inhabitants. 

ERIVAN,  in  Armenia,  at  the  foot  of  Mount  Ararat.  Ten 
miles  east  is  a  famous  monastery,  to  which  the  Armenians 
make  pilgrimages. 

BAKU,  a  fortified  town  on  the  Caspian,  with  naphtha  springs.  Its  beauti- 
fnl  vicinity  has  been  termed  the  "  Paradise  of  Hoses."  Near  this  is  the  cele- 
brated eternal  fire,  to  which  the  fire  worshippers  or  Guebers  make  frequent 
pilgrimages,  and  the  temple  of  fire,  in  the  centre  of  which  stands  the  sacri- 
ficial altar,  upon  which  the  fire  burns  with  a  constant  blaze,  fed  by  the  oil  in 
the  earth. 


II.  ASIATIC  TURKEY. 

Area  437,000  square  miles.     Population  10,000,000, 

Asiatic  Turkey  is  bounded  north  by  the  Marmora  and 
Black  seas  and  Caucasian  Russia,  east  by  Persia,  south  by 
Arabia  and  the  Mediterranean,  and  west  by  the  Mediterra- 
nean and  the  Archipelago. 

Surface. — The  Taurus  is  the  principal  chain  of  mountains, 
from  which  branch  south  the  Libanus  and  the  Anti-Libanus. 

Rivers. — The  Euphrates  and  Tigris  rise  in  Mount  Ararat, 
and  unite  under  the  name  Schat  el  Arab  (Arabian  river)  and 
empty  into  the  Persian  gulf.  The  Jordan  rises  in  Mount 
Hermon,  in  the  chain  of  the  Anti-Libanus,  flows  through  the 
lake  of  Gennesareth  and  empties  into  the  Dead  sea.  Lake 
Van  is  in  Armenia.  The  water  of  this  lake, as  well  as  that  of 
the  Dead  sea,  is  salt. 

Climate. — Only  the  elevated  mountainous  districts  have 
winter  with  snow  and  ice;  winter  is  distinguished  in  the  low 
regions,  particularly  in  the  south,  by  the  abundance  of  rain 
during  that  season.  The  summers  are  hot  and  the  inhabi- 
tants suffer  much  from  frequent  earthquakes,  the  poisonous 
Simoon  arid  epidemic  diseases. 

Products :  Rice,  grapes,  olives,  figs,  cedars,  mastich,  tur- 
pentine, cotton,  gall  nuts  and  asphalt ;  many  camels  and 


ASIA.  363 

goats  with  fine  hair.  The  inland  trade  is  carried  on  by 
means  of  caravans. 

Inhabitants. — The  inhabitants  are  composed  of  Mohamme- 
dans, Christians  and  Jews.  The  Sultan  of  Constantinople 
is  ruler  of  this  country,  and  he  governs  it  by  means  of  Pashas 
and  Deputies  called  Beglerbegs. 

The  provinces  are  : 

1.  NATOLIA  OR  ANATOLIA, 

Also  called  the  Levant,  formerly  Asia  Minor. 

SMYRNA,  situated  on  the  Archipelago,  is  the  richest  and 
most  important  city  of  the  Levant^  with  150,000  inhabitants. 
The  ruins  of  Ephesus  lie  some  distance  from  Smyrna. 

EUTAIEH  has  warm  baths  and  50,000  inhabitants. 

BRUSA,  at  the  foot  of  Mount  Olympus,  was  formerly  an 
important  city,  but  was  almost  destroyed  by  an  earthquake  in 
1855.  Kossuth  resided  here  for  some  time  after  his. flight 
from  Hungary.  Population  65,000. 

SCUTARI,  opposite  Constantinople,  is  regarded  as  the  Asiatic 
Suburb,  with  50,000  inhabitants.  It  is  the  burial  place  of 
the  ennobled  Ottomans  of  the  Turkish  capital. 

ANGORA,  the  most  important  commercial  city  of  the  interior, 
famed  for  its  fine  haired  goats.  Population  20,000. 

SIXOPE,  KERASUST  and  TIIEBIZOND,  arc  important  trading  places  on  the 
Black  sea. 

TARSUS  lies  in  the  southeast,  near  the  Mediterranean.  This  was  the  birth 
place  of  the  Aposile  Paul. 

The  islands  of  Cyprus  and  Rhodes  belong  to  Natolia ;  in  the  former  much 
excellent  wine  is  made  ;  and  in  the  latter  ship  building  is  carried  on  exten- 
sively. Samos,  famous  for  its  muscat  wine  ;  Skio  or  Chios,  abounding  in 
turpentine  and  mastich  ;  Mytilene,  yielding  great  quantities  of  marble,  oil 
and  figs  ;  and  Tenedos  prolific  in  its  vintage. 


Comprises  ancient  Syria,  Pho3iiicia  and  Palestine. 

HALEB  or  ALEPPO,  is  a  very  important  commercial  city, 
and  the  principal  depot  of  Turkish,  Persian  and  Indian  mer- 
chandise, with  70,000  inhabitants. 

DAMASCUS,  is  one  of  the  most  ancient  cities  of  the  world, 
situated  in  a  very  fertile  and  extensive  plain,  80  miles  in  cir- 
cumference, which  is  remarkable  for  its  beauty.  It  has  ex- 
tensive silk  and  cotton  manufactures,  an  important  trade,  and 
200,000  inhabitants.  Here  from  30  to  50,000  pilgrims  assem- 
ble annually  from  all  parts  of  the  Ottoman  Empire,  Persia, 
and  Turkestan,  and  join  the  holy  caravan  for  Mecca. 


364  GEOGRAPHICAL   HAND  BOOK. 

BEIROUT,  in  the  land  of  the  Druses,  is  an  important 
commercial  city,  on  the  Mediterranean.  Population  20,000. 

ACRE  or  ST.  JEAN  D'ACRE,  also  called  Ptolemais,  is  a 
strongly  fortified  seaport,  at  the  foot  of  Mount  Carmel.  It  is 
the  principal  market  of  the  Syrian  cotton  trade.  This  city  is 
famed  for  its  desperate  sieges  and  defenses.  The  assault  made 
upon  it  by  Richard  Coeur  de  Lion,  in  1191,  was  one  of  the 
most  daring  feats  of  the  Crusades.  It  withstood  Napoleon 
successfully  in  1799,  but  in  1840,  was  reduced  by  the  British 
fleet. 

NAZRARETH,  a  village  situated  near  Mount  Tabor,  contains  the  splendid 
church  of  the  Annunciation;  in  which  the  supposed  hous3  of  Joseph  and  the 
Virgin  Mary  is  shown. 

JERUSALEM,  the  once  renowned  capital  of  the  Jewish  king- 
dom, is  built  near  brook  Kedron,upon  Mounts  Moriah  and 
Calvary,  and  is  surrounded  with  walls  of  hewn  stone.  The 
inhabitants  derive  their  support  principally  from  the  contri- 
butions of  the  pious  worshipers  who  flock  thither  continually 
to  pay  their  devotions  at  the  holy  sepulchre,  in  the  church 
erected.over  the  spot  where  the  body  of  our  Saviour  was  en- 
tombed. The  immense  Armenian  Convent,  capable  of  ac- 
commodating over  1,000  pilgrims,  is  an  object  of  curiosity.  The 
city  has  a  population  of  30,000,  of  whom  there  are  20,000 
Christians  and  4,000  Jews. 

BETHLBHEM,  a  village  inhabited  only  by  Christians,  who  carry  on  a  small 
trafficking  in  crucifixes  and  beads.  In  the  grotto  beneath  the  Church  of  the 
Nativity,  a  spot  is  shown  as  the  birth  place  of  the  Redeemer. 

3.  AL  GEZIRA, 

Comprises  the  district  of  country  between  the  Euphrates  and 
Tigris.     It  was  anciently  called  Mesopotamia. 

DIARBEKIR,  on  the  Tigris,  has  great  morocco  manufactures, 
and  40,000  inhabitants. 

MOSUL,  also  built  upon  the  Tigris,  has  many  extensive  cotton  manufac- 
tures. In  the  vicinity  are  the  ruins  of  Nineveh. 

4.   TURKISH    ARMENIA. 

The  Armenians  compose  a  branch  of  Christians,  dwelling 
in  Armenia  and  other  Turkish  provinces,  and  also  in  Persia, 
and  they  carry  on  an  extensive  trade. 

ERZEROUM,  built  near  the  source  of  the  Euphrates,  has 
extensive  copper  mines  and  40.000  inhabitants.  The  trade  of 
this  city,  especially  with  the  passing  caravans,  is  extensive.  It 


ASIA.  365 

is  the  focus  of  the  transit  commerce  between  Europe  and 
Trebizond  on  the  one  hand,  and  Central  Asia  and  Persia  on 
the  other. 

5.  KURDISTAN, 

The  ancient  Assyria.  The  Koords  are  an  unruly  people, 
who  are  governed  by  their  own  rulers  under  Turkish  supe- 
riority. 

ARBIL,  the  ancient  ARBELA,  celebrated  for  the  victory  of 
Alexander  the  Great  over  Darius,  in  the  year  331,  A.  C. 

6.  IRAK-ARABI, 

The  ancient  Babylonia  or  Chaldea. 

BAGDAD,  built  upon  both  sides  of  the  Tigris,  was  once  the 
brilliant  metropolis  of  the  caliphate,  the  seat  of  Arabian  sci- 
ence and  literature,  and  the  centre  of  eastern  civilization  and 
refinement.  But  few  vestiges  of  its  pristine  splendor  yet  re- 
main. Its  commercial  importance  has  vanished,  its  manu- 
factures have  declined,  and  its  trade*  is  dependent  principally 
upon  the  caravans,  which  pass  from  Smyrna  and  Aleppo. 
Population  50,000.  South  of  Bagdad,  on  the  Euphrates,  lie 
the  ruins  of  the  great  and  celebiated  city  of  Babylon,  which 
was  destroyed  by  Cyrus  the  Persian. 

BASSORAH,  standing  in  the  midst  of  a  grove  of  palm  trees  on  the  Schat  el 
Arab,  at.  the  head  of  the  Persian  gulf,  is  an  important  commercial  city,  with 
a  population  of  60,000. 


III.  ARABIA. 

Area  1,200,000  square  miles.     Population  15,000,000. 

The  Arabian  peninsula  is  bounded  north  by  Asiatic 
key,  east  by  the  Persian  gulf  and  the  sea  of  Arabia,  south  by 
the  Indian  ocean,  and  west  by  the  Red  sea. 

Surface. — A  chain  of  mountains  stretches  along  the  west- 
ern coast,  under  different  names,  from  which  branch  the 
coffee  mountains  in  the  southwest.  In  the  northwestern  part 
of  Arabia  the  sacred  mountains  of  Sinai  and  Horeb  rise  to 
an  altitude  of  from  7,000  to  8,000  feet.  Upon  Mount  Sinai 
stands  the  Greek  cloister  of  St.  Catharine,  the  monks  of 
which  are  noted  for  their  horticultural  skill, 

Rivers. — Arabia  has  no  navigable  rivers ;  in  the  interior 


366  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

there  are  probably  rivers  of  the  desert,  but  they  are  unknown  ; 
and  on  the  northern  border  flows  the  Euphrates. 

Climate. — In  the  southern  parts  of  Arabia  extreme  heat 
prevails,  whilst  in  the  northern,  the  air  is  cool  and  upon 
Mount  Sinai  snow  falls.  The  nights  are  generally  cool. 
Arabia  is  often  visited  by  the  pestilential  Simoon,  and  the 
earth  is  seldom  moistened  with  rain. 

Products. — The  most  handsome  and  fleetest  horses  are 
found  in  Arabia,  and  the  camel  is  the  ordinary  beast  of  bur- 
den for  the  Arabs  in  their  journeyings  over  the  desert.  Here 
are  found  lions,  sheep,  ostriches,  pearls,  coffee,  gum,  dates, 
myrrh,  incense,  aloes,  senna  leaves  and  excellent  balsam. 

Inhabitants. — One  part  of  the  Arabs  dwell  in  towns  and 
cities  and  follow  agricultural  pursuits;  another  called  Bedou- 
ins (children  of  the  desert)  migrate  from  one  place  to  another, 
dwelling  in  tents,  and  lead  a  nomadic  life.  These  wanderers 
of  the  desert  are  governed'by  Sheiks  or  Ernirs,  a  number  of 
whom  unite  together  and  choose  a  sultan  or  chief  ruler.  The 
prevailing  religion  is  the  Mohammedan  ;  however,  during  the 
last  century,  a  sect  arose  called  the  Wahabees,  who  deny  the 
divine  mission  of  Mohammed  and  the  inspiration  of  the  Koran, 
and  this  sect  numbers  many  adherents. 

Divisions. — Arabia  was  anciently  divided  into  Arabia- 
felix,  or  the  happy  ;  Arabia-petrcea,  or  the  rocky  ;  and  Ara- 
bia-deserta,  or  the  desert.  Arabia-felix,  comprising  the  south- 
ern part  appears  to  bear  this  name  quite  appropriately,  as 
nature  seems  in  this  region  to  bestow  her  gifts  and  choicest 
bounties  in  the  most  lavish  profusion.  Arabia-petrsea  com- 
prises the  western  part,  and  it  was  here  that  the  children  of 
Israel  wandered  so  long  in  their  journey  from  Egypt  to  Pal- 
estine. Arabia-deserta  is  principally  covered  with  quick- 
sand, but  also  contains  some  fertile  spots  called  oases. 

The   modern  division   is  into  six    provinces  :     Hedschas    in  the    west 
Yemen  in  the  south  ;  Oman  and  Hadschar  in  the  east ;  and  Nedsehed   and 
the  Desert  in  the  north. 

MEDINA  is  a  meanly  built  city,  celebrated  as  the  burial 
place  of  Mohammed,  to  whose  tomb  great  multitudes  of  pil- 
grims are  attracted.  The  coffin  containing  his  remains  is  sus- 
pended by  an  iron  hook  to  the  roof  of  a  magnificently  deco- 
rated mosque.  If  credence  be  due  to  the  assertion  of  the 
Mohammedans,  it  is  drawn  by  a  large  magnet  fixed  in  the 
roof.  Population  18,000. 


ASIA.  367 

MECCA  is  noted  as  the  birth  place  of  Mohammed,  and  con- 
tains the  Kaba  or  house  of  God,  a  small  square  edifice  built 
according  to  Mussulman  superstition  by  the  patriarch  Abra- 
ham, in  which  is  found  the  black  stone,  said  to  have  been 
given  to  the  patriarch  by  the  Angel  Gabriel.  These  relics, 
sacred  in  Moslem  belief,  render  Mecca  one  of  the  centres  ot 
attraction  for  the  Mohammedan  world,  and  every  orthodox 
Mussulman  is  obliged,  at  least  once  during  his  life,  to  visit 
the  Kaba.  Mecca  is  the  depot  of  Syrian,  Egyptian,  and 
Indian  merchandise,  and  has  60,000  inhabitants. 

JIDDA,  a  seaport  and  commercial  city,  serves  as  the  harbor 
of  Mecca,  with  30,000  inhabitants. 

MOCHA,  near  the  strait  of  Bab  el  Mendeb  is  greatly  visited  by"Indian  and 
European  merchants.  Its  trade  in  coffee,  Avhich  is  noted  as  the  finest  in  the 
world,  is  very  extensive. 

ADEN  is  a  fortified  city  on  the  southern  coast}  and  commands  the  entrance 
to  the  Red  sea.  It  is  held  by  the  British. 

SANA,  the  capital  and  residence  of  the  Iman,  one  of  the  most  powerful 
princes  in  Arabia,  with  30,000  inhabitants. 

MUSCAT  is  the  centre  of  an  active  commerce  with  India,  and  a  great  pearl 
market. 

TADMOR  (the  city  of  palm  trees)  is  a  small  village  in  the  Syrian  desert, 
the  houses  of  which  stand  amidst  the  ruins  of  the  famous  city  of  1'almyra. 
This  city  was,  in  7-14,  destroyed  by  the  Saracens. 

In  the  Persian  gulf  lie  the  Bahrein  isles,  belonging  to  the  Sheik  of  Hads- 
cluir  and  inhabited  by  30,000  Arabs.  Here  is  the  great  pearl  bank  of  Zara. 


IV.  PERSIA. 

Area  835,000  square  miles.     Population  18,300,000. 

Persia  is  bounded  north  by  Caucasian  Russia,  the  Caspian 
sea  and  Independent  Tartary,  east  by  Hindostan,  south  by  the 
Arabian  sea  and  the  Persian  gulf,  and  west  by  Turkey. 

Surface. — Persia  is  traversed  by  chains  ot  mountains 
which  are  partially  naked,  and  between  these  lie  extensive 
plains,  some  of  which  are  dry  deserts  of  sand  and  salt,  but 
others  have  a  fertile  soil.  The  lofty  Hinduku  or  Hindoo- 
Coosh  chain  of  mountains,  the  highest  peak  of  which  rises 
to  an  altitude  of  20,000  feet,  is  separated  from  the  Himalaya 
mountains  by  the  valley  of  the  Sinde,  and  forms  on  the  north- 
eastern border  the  boundary  with  Thibet.  With  this 
chain  are  united  the  Solomons  or  Soliman  mountains,  which 
extend  north  and  south, 


168  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND   BOOK. 

Rivers. — The  Indus  or  Sinde,  on  the  eastern  border,  is  the 
only  river  of  importance,  some  branches  of  which  rise  here; 
the  remainder  are  rivers  of  the  Desert,  or  Coast  rivers. 

Climate. — The  climate  is  variable,  but  in  general  quite 
healthy.  The  large  extensive  plains  enjoy  an  unusually  pure, 
clear  atmosphere,  but  a  very  parched  and  dry  one.  In  the 
spring  and  winter  seasons  much  rain  falls ;  but  none  from 
May  to  November ;  and  owing  to  the  burning  heat,  during 
this  period,  everything  becomes  entirely  parched.  The  oppo- 
site is  the  case  in  the  mountainous  regions  in  the  northeast- 
ern and  northwestern  parts,  where  tolerably  cold  weather  pre- 
vails. In  the  south,  the  poisonous  Simoon  blows. 

Products :  Beautiful  horses,  asses  and  sheep  are  the  prin- 
cipal domestic  animals  ;  lions,  leopards,  and  still  more  jack- 
alls  roam  in  the  southern  regions;  innumerable  swarms  of 
locusts  are  often  the  plague  of  the  country  ;  rice,  wheat,  grapes, 
tropical  fruits,  cotton,  opium,  camphor,  pearls  and  naphtha. 
The  rearing  of  bees  and  the  culture  of  silk,  are  great  branch- 
es of  industry. 

Inhabitants. — The  Persians  belong  principally  to  the  Cau- 
casian race,  but  are  divided  into  several  branches  :  1.  The 
Persians  proper,  who  have  great  similarity  of  character  with 
the  French.  2.  The  Afghans,  who  are  partially  nomadic. 
These  are  very  hospitable,  as  are  all  wandering  tribes,  and 
frank  and  ingenuous  in  their  demeanor;  some  engaging  in 
robbery  as  an  occupation, but  never  at  the  expense  of  the  lives 
of  their  victims.  3.  The  Beloochees,  who  are  entirely  a  noma- 
dic tribe,  having  little  cultivation,  and  who  compose  a  race 
of  wild  and  dreaded  robbers  that  esteem  theft  as  unnecessary, 
qut  robbery  and  plundering  as  allowable.  Their  hospitality, 
however,  is  unlimited,  and  he  who  places  himself  under  their 
protection,  can  rely  thereon,  as  they  prefer  death  to  the  breach 
of  their  promise.  Mohammedanism  is  the  prevailing  religion 
throughout  all  Persia. 

DIVISIONS. 

Until  the  middle  of  the  last  century,  Persia  formed  a  united   kingdom 
but  since  that  time,  in  consequence  of  various  revolutions,  it  has  become 
divided  into  three  independent  States. 
I.  IRAN,  OR  PERSIA  PROPER. 
II.  AFGHANISTAN,  (the  residence  of  the  Afghans.) 
JII.  BELOOCHISTAN,  (the  residence  of  the  Beloochees.) 


369 

I.    IRAN, 

Usually  called  Persia,  comprises  the  western  part  of  the 
country.  It  contains  an  area  of  450,000  square  miles,  and 
11,300,000  inhabitants,  and  is  governed  by  a  Shah  or  King, 
whose  power  is  despotic. 

TEHERAN,  the  capital  and  residence  of  the  king,  has  a  gor- 
geous palace,  and  in  winter,  60,000  inhabitants,  but  in  sum- 
mer not  over  10,000,  as  during  that  period  the  royal  court 
and  a  great  number  of  the  citizens  leave  the  city  on  account 
of  the  oppressive  heat,  and  betake  themselves  to  the  moun- 
tains, where  they  live  in  tents. 

KASBIN  has  manufactures  of  silk  and  cotton  goods,  of  arms  (especially 
sabres)  and  watches.  Population  25,000. 

RESHT,  with  the  most  important  silk  manufactures  of 
:  Persia.  The  vicinity  abounds  with  mulberry  trees.  Popula- 
tion 50,000. 

TAURIS  or  TABRIZ,  is  the  most  important  commercial  city 
of  the  kingdom,  with  60,000  inhabitants. 

ISPAHAN,  formerly  the  Persian  capital,  and  one  of  the  most 
imposing  cities  of  the  east,  contained  then  600,000  inhabi- 
tants ;  but  its  ancient  glory  has  disappeared,  much  of  it  be- 
ing at  this  time  in  ruins,  arid  its  population  only  80,000.  It 
has  extensive  caravanseries. 

SHIRAZ,  situated  in  a  wine  producing  and  rose  scented  region  has  30,000 
inhabitants,  who  derive  great  profit  from  a  costly  naphtha,  which  exudes 
from  lofty  precipices. 

In  the  vicinity  lie  the  magnificent  ruins  of  Persepolis.  This  once  large 
and  wealthy  city  was  taken  by  Alexander  the  Great,  and  exposed  to  pillage 
and  destruction  ;  afterwards  having  been  rebuilt,  it  was  soon  destroyed  the 
second  time. 

GOMRON  or  BENDKR-ABASSI,  a  commercial  city  on  the  strait  of  Ormus. 

ORMITS,  an  island  at  the  entrance  into  the  Persian  Gulf. 

2.    AFGHANISTAN, 

Called  also  Cabulistan,  comprises  the  northeastern  part  of 
Persia,  and  includes  an  area  of  225,000  square  miles  and 
5,000,000  inhabitants.  The  government  is  in  the  hands  of 
a  Shah,  whose  power  is  limited  by  the  immunities  of  the 
Afghan  tribes. 

CABUL,  the  capital  and  residence  of  the  Shah,  has  a  mag- 
nificent royal  residence,  and  80,000  inhabitants. 

HERAT,  one  of  the  most  handsome  cities  of  Asia,  is  a  place  of  great  trade, 
and  its  population  though  diminished,  amounts  to  45,000. 

PISCIIAUIS,  with  great  silk  and  cotton  manufactures.     Population  50,OCO 

Q* 


GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

CANDAHAR,  a  large  and  fortified  city,  graced  with  numerous  mosques  and 
other  splendid  edifices.  It  formerly  contained  100,000  inhabitants,  now  only 
30,000,  who  carry  on  a  brisk  trade. 

3.  BELOOCHISTAN, 

Consists  of  the  southeastern  part  of  Persia,  and  a  large  por- 
tion of  it  is  covered  with  a  vast  desert.  It  has  an  area  of 
160,000  square  miles  and  2,000,000  inhabitants,  a  part  of 
whom  are  nomads. 

KELAT,  the  capital  and  residence  of  the  Khan,  has  20,000 
inhabitants.  It  extends  ten  miles  in  length  and  three  in 
breadth,  and  this  space  is  occupied  for  gardening  and  agriculture. 


V.  INDEPENDENT  TARTARY  OR  TURKESTAN. 

Area  640,000  square  miles.     Population  6,500,000. 

Independent  Tartary  is  bounded  north  by  the  Russian 
Empire,  east  by  the  Chinese  Empire,  south  by  Afghanistan 
and  Iran,  and  west  by  the  Caspian  Sea. 

Surface. — Only  the  eastern  and  the  southeastern  parts  are 
mountainous ;  here  lie  the  Belur  Tagh  mountains,  with  which 
the  chain  of  the  Hindoo  Coosh  is  united.  All  the  remaining 
portions  consist  almost  entirely  of  continuous  sandy  deserts, 
which  descend  gradually  towards  the  Caspian  Sea,  and  upon 
these  no  vegetation  is  visible,  except  on  the  oases  and  river 
banks. 

Rivers:  The  Oxus, called  also  the  Jihon,  which  empty  into 
the  Aral  sea.  Besides  the  Caspian  and  the  Aral  seas,  many 
salt  lakes  are  found  here. 

Climate. — In  the  south  the  climate  is  quite  mild,  but  in  the 
mountainous  regions  and  the  northern  steppes  rather  severe 
winters  prevail. 

Products :  Horses  and  asses,  which  are  also  found  here  in 
a  wild  state  ;  camels,  sheep,  bisons  and  locusts ;  silk,  cotton, 
flax,  &c.,  also  some  rnetals  and  precious  stones. 

Inhabitants.— The  Tartars  are  Mohammedans,and  are  divi- 
ded into  several  different  stocks  or  races:  1.  The  Usbecks,  a 
barbarous  and  warlike  people,  who  are  the  dominant  tribe  of 
Tartary.  2.  The  Turcomans,  who  roam  between  the  Caspian 
and  Aral  seas.  3.  The  Karakalpacks,  who  live  east  of  the 
Aral  sea.  4.  The  Kirgheez;a  tribe  of  robbers,  who  dwell  in 


ASIA.  371 

the  north.  This  is  the  large  horde  of  this  name ;  the  little 
and  middle  hordes  are  governed  by  the  Russians.  These 
tribes  are  principally  nomadic.  5.  The  Buchanans,  who  in- 
habit the  south  and  are  the  most  civilized  of  all  the  Tartar 
tribes,  with  permanent  abodes,  and  who  carry  on  a  consider- 
able trade.  All  these  tribes  are  ruled  by  Khans,  who  must 
swear  allegiance  to  the  Usbeck  Grand  Khan  of  Bokhara. 

SAMARCAND,  the  capital  of  the  Usbecks,  has  many  manu- 
factures of  silk,  cotton,  and  silk  paper.  This  was  once  a 
large  and  flourishing  city  and  the  seat  of  Empire  of  the  re- 
nowned Tamerlane,  since  whose  time  it  has  greatly  declined. 
Population  50,000.  Here  Tamerlane  lies  buried  in  a  tomb 
of  jasper. 

BOKHARA,  the  residence  of  the  Grand  Khan,  has  70,000 
inhabitants  who  are  engaged  in  an  extensive  trade. 

TASHKENT,  upon  the  river  Sihon,  is  the  residence  of  a 
Khan,  and  has  iron  and  cannon  founderies,  powder  mills, 
and  40,000  inhabitants. 

TURKESTAN,  situated  in  a  province  of  the  same  name.  It  is  worthy  of 
remark,  that  this  province  is  regarded  as  the  Farther  Land  of  the  Turks. 

KHIVA,  situated  on  a  channel  of  the  river  Jihon,  is  the  residence  of  a 
Khan.  Here  is  the  principal  slave  mart  of  Independent  Tartary,  to  which 
the  neighboring  tribes  bring  their  captives,  together  with  oxen,  horses  and 
asses  for  sale. 


VI.  INDIA. 

India,  known  also  as  the  East  Indies,  comprises  a  large 
portion  of  southern  Asia,  lying  between  Persia  and  China. 
The  bay  of  Bengal  divides  it  into  the  two  peninsulas  of 
Hindostan  and  Farther  India,  to  which  some  islands  are 
also  reckoned. 

1.  HINDOSTAN, 

Called  Hither  India,  or  India,  in  a  more  restricted  sense, 
is  the  largest  and  most  important  part  Area  1,367,000  square 
miles.  Population  172,000,000. 

Surface. — The  lofty  Himalaya  mountains  run  on  the 
northern  border  and  form  the  boundary  with  Thibet.  Large 
and  fertile  plains  through  which  the  Ganges  flows,  stretch  to 
the  southern  base  of  the  Himalaya  mountains  ;  but  in  the 
west,  extensive  deserts  of  sand  are  found,  which  are  bordered 


372  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND    BOOK. 

by  the  river  Indus.  The  Ghauts  mountains  stretch  through  the 
peninsula  in  a  soutlieni  direction  to  Cape  Comorin,  and  form 
a  series  of  highlands,  which  decline  gradually  to  the  eastern 
coast. 

Rivers. — The  principal  rivers  are,  the  Indus  or  Sinde  which 
rises  in  the  western  part  of  Thibet ;  the  Ganges,  having  its 
source  in  the  Himalaya,  and  which  receive^  the  Jumna  as 
an  affluent ;  the  Brahmaputra,  whose  sources  are  found  in  the 
northern  declivity  of  the  Himalaya  mountains,  and  which 
unites  with  the  Ganges  40  miles  from  the  sea.  Every  year 
in  the  months  of  July  and  August,  the  Ganges  overflows  its 
banks  and  inundates  the  surrounding  country,  especially 
the  low  grounds  near  its  mouth,  so  that  nothing  except  water 
is  visible  for  miles,  and  the  submerged  villages  project  like 
islands  from  the  circumfluent  element.  This  river  is  regard- 
ed by  the  Hindoos  as  a  sacred  stream,  and  according  to  this 
belief,  a  goddess  has  been  transformed  into  it,  whence  massive 
edifices,  gardens  and  shady  groves  are  found  upon  its  banks, 
for  the  accommodation  of  the  visiting  pilgrims. 

Climate. — The  climate  in  the  northern  part  is  mild,  but  in 
the  southern  excessively  hot,  the  heat  being  however  somewhat 
moderated  by  the  monsoons  or  trade-winds.  It  is  worthy  of 
observation  that  the  eastern  or  Coromandel  coast  has  sum- 
mer, when  on  the  western  or  Malabar  coast,  winter  prevails, 
and  the  reverse  is  also  the  case.  This  is  caused  by  the  Ghauts 
mountains,  which  become  a  regulator  of  the  weather,  and 
detain  the  rain  clouds  brought  by  the  trade-winds,  which 
blow  regularly  for  six  months  from  the  northeast,  viz :  from 
October  to  April,  and  afterwards  from  the  southeast  for  the 
same  length  of  time  during  the  summer  months. 

Products. — The  products  of  Hindostan  are  numerous  and 
charming.  The  most  important  articles  of  export  are  silk, 
woolen  and  cotton  goods,  cotton  yarn,  muslin,  shawls, 
carpets,  diamonds  and  other  precious  stones,  rice,  pepper, 
ginger,  sago,  camphor,  opium,  indigo,  saltpetre  and  ivory, 
Of  wild  animals,  the  royal  tiger  and  leopard  are  found  here,, 
but  the  lion  rarely  ;  apes,  and  elephants  abound  in  the 
forests,  and  many  wild  fowl. 

Inhabitants. — The  aboriginal  inhabitants  of  Hindostan 
are  called  Hindoos,  and  these  are  divided  into  four  separate 
castes:  1.  The  Brahmins  or  priests.  2.  The  Shatryas  or  sol- 
diers, of  which  cast  the  rulers  are  chosen.  3.  The  Vaisyas 


ASIA.  373 

or  husbandmen,  merchants  and  artisans.  4.  The  Sudras  or 
laborers.  The  lowest  class  of  Hindoos  are  the  Pariahs  or 
outcasts,  who  are  despised  by  all  the  others,  and  are  not  even 
permitted  to  dwell  among  them. 

A  horrible  custom  exists  among  the  Hindoos,  which  in- 
duces the  surviving  wife  to  follow  her  deceased  husband  to 
the  funeral  pile  and  there  permit  her  body  to  be  burned 
along  with  the  corpse  of  her  companion.  In  the  English 
possessions,  this  unnatural  custom  has  been  abolished.  Be- 
sides the  Hindoos  the  Sikhs,  the  Parsees  or  Guebers,  the  Af- 
ghans, the  Mongols  arid  many  Europeans  live  in  India.  Ac- 
cording to  theBrahminical  doctrines,  the  Brahmins  emanated 
from  the  head  of  Brahma,  the  Shatryas  from  his  shoulders,  the 
Vaisyas  from  his  stomach, and  the  Sudras  from  his  feet.  The 
Hindoos  believe  in  the  existence  of  three  principal  divinities  : 
Brahma,  the  creator;  Vishnu,  the  preserver;  and  Siva,  the 
destroyer ;  and  besides  these  a  multitude  of  inferior  gods. 
The  Sikhs  reject  the  Brahminical  divinity,  and  profess  a  re- 
ligion peculiar  to  themselves,  consisiing  of  a  medley  of 
Brahminical  and  Mohammedan  tenets.  The  Parsees  esteem 
light  as  the  cause  of  good  (whence  the  fire  worship,)  and 
darkness  as  the  source  of  evil.  The  number  of  Mohamme- 
dans is  estimated  at  10,000,000,  Jews  100,000,  and  Christians 
one  and  a  half  millions. 

DIVISIONS. 

Hindostan  is  composed  of  the  Independent  States,  and  the 
European  possessions. 

A.  THE  INDEPENDENT  STATES, 

Comprise  at  this  time  but  few. 

1.  NEPAUL, 

Along  the  Himalaya  mountains,  west  of  Bootan,  comprises 
an  area  of  53,000  square  miles  and  2,000,000  inhabitants.  It 
is  thickly  overgrown  with  timber  and  well  irrigated ;  its  cli- 
mate is  mild  and  healthy. 

KHATMANDOO,  is  the  capital, situated  at  the  foot  of  a  moun- 
tain 20,000  feet  high,  with  50,000  inhabitants. 

2.  BOOTAN, 

also  along  the  Himalaya,  in  the  northeastern  part  of  Hindos- 
tan, has  65,000  square  miles. 
TASSISUDON  is  the  capital. 


374  GEOGRAPHICAL   HAND   BOOK. 

B.  THE  EUROPEAN  POSSESSIONS. 

1.  The  British  Dominions,  comprise  at  this  time  nearly 
the  whole  of  Hindostan,  acquisitions  having  been  made  from 
time  to  time  by  the  British,  until  their  authority  may  be  con- 
sidered as  almost  universal  in  this  great  country.  The  re- 
maining tributary  princes  are  mere  vassals  of  the  British, 
being  wholly  under  their  control  and  direction.  In  a  govern- 
mental aspect,  the  British  possessions  are,  at  this  time,  divi- 
ded into  three  presidencies :  Bengal,  Madras,  and  Bombay. 

a.  THE  PRESIDENCY  OF  BENGAL, 

Comprises  the  country  north  of  the  Nerbudda  river,  and  extends 
from  the  bay  of  Bengal  to  beyond  the  Indus.  It  has  an  area 
of  1,000,000  square  miles, and  130,000,000  inhabitants.  This 
vast  territory  is  more  appropriately  described  under  its  dif- 
ferent divisions. 

1.  THE  COUNTRY  OF  THE  SIKHS, 

Called  also  the  Punjaub,  lies  in  the  northwest.  It  was 
formerly  governed  by  independent  princes,  which  were 
leagued  together  for  defence ;  but  near  half  a  century  since, 
one  of  these  princes  obtained  the  supreme  authority,  and  the 
province  of  Cashmere  was,  in  1823,  wrested  from  the  Afghans 
and  united  to  the  Punjaub.  All  this  country  was  conquered 
by  the  English  in  1849. 

LAHORE,  situated  on  the  highway  which  leads  to  Delhi,  with  100,000  in- 
habitants. 

CASHMERE,  formerly  SERINAGUR,  the  capital  of  the  prov- 
ince so  called,  is  celebrated  on  account  of  its  costly  shawls, 
over  80,000  of  which  are  made  here  annually.  Population 
50,000. 

The  province  of  Cashmere,  in  which  this  city  is  situated, 
is  represented  as  so  exceedingly  delightful  and  fertile,  that  it 
has  been  called  the  "Paradise  of  India."  The  Hindoos  seek 
here  for  the  home  of  their  Brahmins;  the  Chinese, the  native 
country  of  Foo  or  Fohi ;  and  the  Mohammedans  consider  that 
here  the  garden  of  Eden  was  located. 

2.  THE  MAHRATTA  COUNTRY. 

Occupies  nearly  the  central  portion  of  Hindostan. 

OUGEIN,  is  noted  for  its  observatory,  and  has  100,000  in- 
habitants. 


ASIA.  375 

GWALIOR,  is  built  in  the  form  of  an  amphitheatre,  at  the 
foot  of  a  rock  342  feet  high,  on  the  summit  of  which  is  one 
of  the  strongest  fortresses  of  Hindostan.  Population  80,000. 

3.  THE  DISTRICT  OF  CALCUTTA, 

On  the  lower  Ganges  and  the  adjoining  coast. 

CALCUTTA,  the  capital  of  British  India,  the  seat  ot  the 
British  Governor  General,  and  the  most  important  commer- 
cial city  of  Hindostan,  is  situated  on  the  Hoogly  river,  100 
miles  from  its  mouth,  and  contains  numerous  manufacturing 
establishments,  and  250,000  inhabitants.  Near  the  city  lies 
the  stronghold  of  Fort  William,  which  cost  $10,000,000. 

DACCA,  -where  the  finest  muslin  is  made.     Population  150,000. 

MURSHEDABAD,  is  a  meanly  built  city,  situated  on  the  Gan- 
ges, and  contains  160,000  inhabitants.  Its  manufactures  of 
shawls,  silks  and  cloth  are  extensive. 

PATNA,  on  the  Ganges,  with  250,000  inhabitants.  Here 
excellent  carpets  are  manufactured,  and  the  city  carries  on  a 
large  trade  in  opium, 

4.  THE  DISTRICT  OF  ALLAHABAD, 

On  the  middle  Ganges,  is  traversed  by  the  Jumna.  This  is 
one  of  the  most  fertile  regions  of  India. 

BENARES,  is  one  of  the  largest  manufacturing  cities  of 
India,  situated  on  the  Ganges,  with  600,000  inhabitants.  It 
is  regarded  as  the  seat  of  Brahminical  learning,  and  the 
ecclesiastical  metropolis  containing  a  celebrated  Sanscrit  Uni- 
versity and  the  most  sacred  Pagoda  (temple)  of  Hindostan, 
which  attracts  an  immense  number  of  pilgrims. 

DELHI,  on  the  Jumna,  was  formerly  the  residence  of  the 
Great  Mogul,  and  contains  200,000  inhabitants.  It  was  one 
of  the  head  quarters  in  the  Sepoy  rebellion,  but  was  stormed 
by  the  British  on  the  14th  of  September,  1857. 

5.  THE  PRESIDENCY  OF  MADRAS, 

Comprises  nearly  the  whole  of  peninsular  Hindostan  and  has 
an  area  of  187,000  square  miles,  and  26,000,000  inhabitants. 
MADRAS,  situated  on  the  coast  of  Coromandel,  consists  of 
the  fortress  of  St.  George,  which  is  inhabited  by  Europeans, 
and  the  Black  town  in  which  dwell  the  Hindoos  and  othar 
Asiatic  tribes.  Its  cotton  and  glass  manufactures  are  exten- 
sive, and  its  population  of  750,000,  is  engaged  in  an  active 
trade. 


376  GEOGRAPHICAL   HAND    BOOK. 

MASULIPATAM  possesses  excellent  cotton  manufactures,  a  fine  harbor  and 
considerable  trade.  Population  75,000. 

CALICUT,  on  the  Malabar  coast,  with  24,000  inhabitants.  Here  Vasca  da 
Gama  first  landed  in  1408.  The  name  of  Calico  is  derived  from  this  town, 
the  cloth  having  been  'first  imported  from  here. 

c.  THE  PRESIDENCY  OF  BOMBAY, 

On  the  Malabar  coast,  between  Cambay  and  Goa,  and  in- 
cludes also  Guzerat,  Catch  and  Sinde. 

BOMBAY,  built  upon  an  island  of  its  own  name,  has  one  of 
the  best  harbors  of  Hindostan,  and  is  the  principal  station  of 
the  British  East  India  navy.  Population  500,000. 

SURA.T  is  one  of  the  chief  commercial  cities  of  India.  It  has  a  vast  hos- 
pital for  animals,  such  as  monkeys,  tortoises,  fleas,  and  other  vermin.  Pop- 
ulation 100,000. 

THE  COUNTRY  OF  SINDE, 

At  the  mouth  of  the  Sinde  or  Indus,  is  a  flat  surface  of  low- 
lands, composed  partly  cf  desert,  and  partly  of  a  fertile  soil. 
The  gipsies  are  believed  to  have  originated  here. 

HYDERABAD  and  TATTAare  two  commercial  cities  upon  the 
Indus,  each  containing  20,000  inhabitants. 

The  tributary  states  are  more  or  less  dependent  upon  British  authority, 
and  the  most  important  of  these  are  the  following  : 

I.  HYDRABAD, 

With  90,000  square  miles,  10,000,000  inhabitants,  and  valu- 
able diamond  mines. 

HYDRABAD,  with  200,000  inhabitants  is  the  residence  of 
the  ruler.  Important  diamond  trade.  In  the  vicinity  lies 
the  strong  fortress  of  Golconda. 

2.  NAGPOOR, 

With  a  city  of  the  same  name. 

3.  MYSORE, 

Contains  25,000  square  miles,  and  3,000,000  inhabitants. 

MYSORE,  the  capital,  is  a  strongly  fortified  city. 

II.  THE  PORTUGEUSE  POSSESSIONS. 

GOA,  the  capital,  situated  upon  an  island,  has  a  fine  harbor 
and  but  few  inhabitants,  it  having  been  deserted  by  its  citi- 
zens on  account  of  the  impurity  of  the  air,  for  Villa  Nova  de 
Goa,  a  very  handsome  town  of  20,000  inhabitants,  built  upon 
the  main  land  opposite  the  island. 

Diu,  built  upon  an  island  pf  the  same  name,  also  has  a  fine  harbor. 


ASIA.  Sit 

III.  THE  POSSESSIONS  OF  THE  FRENCH. 

PONDICIIEERY,  the  capital,  on  the  coast  of  Coromandel,  with  25,000  inhabi- 
tants. 

CHANDERNAGORE,  a  commercial  city  of  Bengal,  with  40,000 
inhabitants. 

The  Danish  possessions  upon  the  Coromandel  coast  were  lately  Bold  to 
Great  Britain. 

2.  FARTHER  INDIA. 

The  eastern  and  smaller  peninsula,  is  comparatively  little 
known  to  Europeans.  Area  800,000  square  miles.  Popula- 
tion 36,000,000. 

Surface. — A  chain  of  mountains  stretches  north  and  south 
through  the  peninsula,  and  runs  into  Romania,  the  most 
southern  cape  of  Asia. 

Rivers :  The  Irrawaddy  the  largest,  the  Meinam  and  Mai- 
Kiang  or  Cambodia,  all  flowing  in  a  southern  direction. 

Climate:  In  the  south  very  hot;  in  the  north  mild. 

Products. — Besides  the  enumerated  products  of  Hindos- 
tan,  those  of  tin  and  the  edible  swallow  nests  may  be  enu- 
merated ;  elephants  are  also  more  numerous  here,  and  are 
used  as  horses  in  other  countries, for  riding  and  for  the  trans- 
portation of  baggage,  and  are  kept  like  horses,  in  stables. 

Inhabitants. — The  inhabitants  are  principally  heathen, 
except  in  the  peninsula  of  Malacca,  which  is  chiefly  inhabi- 
ted by  Mohammedan  Malays. 

DIVISIONS. 

1.  Assam.  3.  Siam.  5.  Malacca. 

2.  Birmah.  4.  Anam. 

1.  ASSAM, 

In  the  northwest,  has  56,000  square  miles  and  1,000,000 
inhabitants.  It  formerly  composed  part  of  the  Birman  Em- 
pire, but  was  in  1828  ceded  to  the  British.  No  cities  of 
importance  are  found  here. 

2.  BIRMAH. 

The  Birman  Empire,  which  comprises  the  western  part  of 
Farther  India,  has  an  area  of  200,000  square  miles  and 
8,000,000  inhabitants.  Its  government  is  purely  despotic, 
the  ruler  assuming  the  title  of  Boa,  or  Emperor. 

AVA,  on  the  Irrawaddy,  is  the  capital  and  residence  of  the 
Emperor,  with  50,000  inhabitants. 


3T8  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

UMERAPOORA,  the  ancient  capital,  situated  also  upon  the  Irrawaddy,  in  the 
vicinity  of  Ava,  has  fewer  inhabitants  than  formerly. 

PEGU  is  chiefly  celebrated  for  its  great  temple  of  Sho3-Madoo, 
with  100  golden  peaked  towers,  said  to  be  upwards  of  2300 
years  old. 

RANGOON,  near  the  mouth  of  the  Irra\vaddy,  has  since 
1826,  a  free  harbor.  It  contains  the  celebrated  pagoda  of 
Shoe-Dagon.  Population  30,000. 

At  the  peace  of  1826,  the  Birmese  ceded  several  provinces  to  the  English 
East  India  Company.  Arracan,  on  the  east  coast  of  the  bay  of  Bengal,  is  the 
most  important,  with  a  town  of  the  same  name.  This,  like  all  Birmese 
towns,  is  meanly  built,  the  dwellings  consisting  principally  of  Bamboo  huts. 

3.  SIAM, 

Southeast  of  Birmah,in  the  wide  valley  of  the  river  Meinam, 
with  an  area  of  190,000  square  miles,  and  4,000,000  inhabi- 
tants. The  white  ape,  white  buffalo  and  white  fallow  deer, 
are  found  here. 

BANKOK,  the  capital,  lying  on  the  river  Meinam  is  the 
most  important  commercial  city  of  the  kingdom.  It  has  few 
streets,  most  of  its  houses  being  built  upon  rafts  moored  in 
the  river,  forming  a  floating  city.  Population  50,000. 

SIAM  or  YUTIIIA,  situated  upon  an  island  in  the  river  Meinam,  was  once 
the  capital,  and  a  largely  populated  city,  but  it  is  greatly  declined.  All  the 
houses  are  built  upon  strong  posts,  because  the  river  now  and  then  over- 
flows everything.  There  are  in  the  city  many  splendid  pagodas  and  several 
Christian  churches.  One  of  the  pagodas  contains  100  images  of  their  di- 
vinities. 

4.  ANAM, 

Is  the  most  powerful  Empire  of  Farther  India,  lying  in  the 
eastern  part,  and  it  has  a  very  fertile  soil.  It  consists  of 
Tonquin,  Cochin-China,  Laos  and  Cambodia,  and  has  290,- 
000  square  miles  and  20,000,000  inhabitants. 

HUE  or  PIIUXUAN,  the  residence  of  the  emperor,  possesses 
a  very  strongly  fortified  citadel  built  by  Europeans.  Its  com- 
mercial and  manufacturing  activity  is  extensive.  Population 
80,000. 

HUEHAN,  has  a  fine  harbor,  and  is  the  best  commercial  city  of  the  Empire, 
and  greatly  visited  by  European  vessels. 

5.  THE  PENINSULA  OF  MALACCA, 

Has  an  extent  of  64,000  square  miles  and  is  covered  with 
immense  forests,  which  abound  in  elephants  and  venemous 
reptiles.  It  is  inhabited  by  Malays,  who  carry  on  a  lively 
trade  and  commerce,  and  they  are  united  together  in  small 


ASIA.  319 

communities  most  of  which  are  under  the  government  of 
Siam. 

MALACCA,  the  city  built  upon  the  strait  of  this  name,  as 
also  the  strip  of  territory  along  the  western  coast,  belongs 
to  the  English. 

Both  the  islands  Prince  of  Wales  or  Pulo  Pinang  in  the  strait  of  Malacca, 
and  Sincapore  at  the  southern  extremity  of  the  peninsula,  belong  to  tho 
English  and  are  important  in  a  trading  aspect,  particularly  the  latter. 
Pepper  is  the  main  product.  The  China  tea  has  been  successfully  cultivated 
here. 

3.    THE   ISLANDS. 

1.  The  LACCADIVES,  comprise  19  small  islands  opposite  the  Malabar  coast, 
with  immense  cocoa  forests.  (Diven,  signifies  islands. J 

•2.  The  MALDIVES,  form  an  archipelago  of  many  thousand  small  islands, 
abounding  in  cocoa  nuts  and  kauris,  a  kind  of  clams,  used  here  as  money. 
The  inhabitants  of  these  as  also  of  the  Laccadive  islands,  profess  Mohamme- 
danism, and  are  governed  by  their  own  rulers. 

3.  CEYLON  or  SEILAN,  separated  by  the  Palk  strait  from  the 
coast  of  Coromandel,  with  an  area  of  25,000  square  miles, 
and  1,600,000  inhabitants.  The  Veddahs,  a  race  devoid  of 
civilization,  dwell  here,  and  have  no  intercourse  with  the 
remaining  inhabitants.  The  mountains  attain  their  highest 
elevation  in  the  Adamsberg,  7,000  feet  high.  Cinnamon  is 
the  most  important  product  of  the  island;  but  the  yield  of 
the  pearl  fisheries, formerly  so  valuable, is  now  comparatively 
insignificant.  This  island  is  under  the  direct  authority  of 
the  British  Crown,  and  is  ruled  by  a  Royal  Governor. 

COLOMBO  is  the  capital  and  principal  seaport  of  Ceylon, 
with  31,000  inhabitants. 

TRINKONOMALE  has  a  fine  harbor,  in  which  the  British  men-of-war  lie. 

4.  THE  ANDAMAN  ISLES,  in  the  bay  of  Bengal,  furnish  great  quantities  of 
lumber  and  cotton.  These  islands  are  inhabited  by  a  race  of  rude  and  un- 
civilized negroes,  and  the  climate  is  very  unhealthy.  On  account  of  this 
latter  circumstance  the  English  have  abandoned  them. 

5.  THE  NICOBAR  ISLANDS,  south  of  the  former,  are  inhab- 
ited by  Malays.     The  Danes  formerly  held  these,  but  the  tin- 
healthy  climate  has  caused  their  abandonment. 

6.  THE  SUNDA  ISLANDS,  derive  their  name  from  that  of  the 
strait  between  Sumatra  and  Java.     There  are  four  of  these. 

a.  SUMATRA,  under  the  equator,  comprises  136,000  square 
miles,  and  6,000,000  inhabitants.  The  coast  is  inhabited  by 
Malays,  who  are  principally  Mohammedans.  The  principal 
products  are  pepper,  camphor,  the  best  of  which  is  found  here ; 
a  fine  species  of  gold,  and  abundance  of  tin.  It  is  divided 


380  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

into  several  States,  almost  all  of  which  are  subject  to  the 
Dutch,  who  hold  extensive  possessions  here.  The  cities 
belonging  to  them,  are  : 

PALEMBANG,  upon  the  east  side,  a  fine  commercial  city, 
with  30,000  inhabitants. 

PADANG,  a  fortified  town,  upon  the  west  side. 

BANCA,  an  island  upon  the  east  coast,  has  inexhaustible  mines  of  tin. 

b.  JAVA  has  an  area  of  50,0004square  miles,  and  11, 000,000 
inhabitants;  8,500,000  of  whom  live  in  the  Dutch  posses- 
sions.    Coffee  is  the  most  valuable  product;  but  one  of  the 
most  remarkable  is  the  Boan-upas,  or  poison-tree,  the  juice 
of  which  is  very  deleterious.     Here  is  the  Gurvo-upas,  or  the 
remarkable  valley  of  poison,  which  has  a  circumference  of 
two  miles.     A  dog  put  into  this  valley  died  in  a  few  minutes, 
as  did  also  a  hen. 

BATAVIA  is  the  capital  of  all  the  Dutch  India  possessions, 
and  the  emporium  of  the  Holland  trade  in  the  east,  with  50,- 
000  inhabitants.  The  location  of  this  city  is  extremely  un- 
healthy, and  for  this  reason  numbers  of  its  citizens  are  con- 
tinually retiring  into  the  interior. 

c.  BORNEO,  the  largest  of  the  Asiatic  islands,  is  mountain- 
ous, overgrown  with  forests,  and  possesses  a  fertile  soil.     It 
has  an  area  of  300,000  square  miles,  and  3,000,000  inhabit- 
ants.    Borneo  is  wholly  unexplored  by  Europeans,  except 
the  parts  near  the  coast,  and  these  are  inhabited  principally 
by  Malays.     In  the  little  frequented  forests  live  the  ourang- 
outang ;  also  the  elephant  and  the  rhinoceros,  neither  of  which 
is  met  with  east  of  this.     The  Dutch  have  here  several  set- 
tlements along  the  coast. 

THE  SOOLOO  ISLANDS,  north  of  Borneo,  are  ruled  by  a  Sultan,  who  also 
governs  part  of  Borneo. 

d.  CELEBES,  is  a  mountainous,  but  fertile  island,  with  an 
area  of  55,000  square  miles,  and  3,000,000  inhabitants.     It 
belongs  to  the  Dutch. 

MACCASSAR,  once  a  populous  town,  is  now  a  small  village. 
7.  THE  SMALL  SDNDA  ISLANDS  lie  east  of  Java.     One  part  of  these  belongs 
tp  the  Dutch.     The  largest  are  called  Sumbava,  Flores  and,  Timor. 

8.  THE  MOLUCCAS  or  SPICE  ISLANDS,  compose  part  of  the 
Dutch  possessions,  and  produce  principally  nutmegs,  cloves, 
sago  and  pepper.    Amboyna,  the  largest  of  these,  grows  cloves 
in  abundance  ;  and  the  Banda  Isles,  nutmegs. 

9.  THE  PHILIPPINE  ISLANDS,  comprising  140,000  square 


ASIA.  381 

miles,  and  5,000,000  inhabitants,  possess  an  extremely  pro- 
ductive soil,  and  are  mostly  subject  to  Spanish  dominion. 
The  most  important  are  : 

«.  MANILLA  or  LUZON,  with  the  capital  Manilla, the  seat  of 
the  Spanish  Captain  General,  and  the  centre  of  an  active 
trade.  The  city  has  a  university,  and  140,000  inhabitants. 

5.  MAGINDA^AO,  only  the  northern  part  of  "which  belongs  to  Spain;  the 
southern  half  is  independent.  This  island  abounds  in  rice  and  sago. 


VII.  THE  CHINESE  EMPIRE. 

Area  5,000,000  square  miles.     Population  350,000,000. 

This  Empire,  next  to  Russia  the  largest  upon  the  globe  in 
respect  to  extent  of  territory,  but  as  regards  population  far 
surpassing  it,  comprises  about  one-tenth  of  the  habitable 
earth,  and  nearly  double  that  of  the  United  States  of  America. 

It  is  bounded  north  by  Siberia,  east  by  the  Pacific,  south 
by  the  China  sea  and  India,  and  west  by  India  and  Inde- 
pendent Tartary. 

PRINCIPAL   DIVISIONS. 

1.  China  Proper. 
SUBJECT  PROVINCES  : 

2.  Mantchooria.  4.  Turfan.  G.  Soongaria. 

3.  Mongolia.  5.  Thibet.  7.  Corea. 

1*  CHINA  PROPER, 

Called  by  the  Chinese  Chung-Kue  (middle  kingdom,)  is 
washed  east  and  south  by  the  Pacific  and  Indian  oceans,  and 
comprises  an  area  of  about  1,500,000  square  miles. 

Surface. — The  northern  and  western  portions  are  very 
mountainous;  the  interior  is  also  traversed  by  numerous 
mountains,  some  of  which  attain  a  great  altitude,  in  the 
north  is  the  celebrated  Chinese  wall,  1500  miles  long,  built 
more  than  2000  years  ago,  as  a  barrier  against  the  incursions 
of  the  Tartars.  It  is  from  twenty  to  thirty  feet  high,  eleven 
feet  thick,  and  set  with  towers  ;  it  is  now  very  dilapidated. 

Rivers. — The  principal  rivers  are  the  Hoang-Ho  or  Yellow 
river,  and  the  Yang-tse-kiang  (son  of  the  sea,)  which  is  call- 
ed the  Lan-kiang  (blue  river),  in  the  lower  part  of  its  course. 
Both  these  rise  in  the  highlands  of  Thibet.  Of  the  numer- 


382  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

ous  canals  of  China, the  Imperial  canal  from  Pekin  to  Hangt- 
chow,  affording  a  navigable  length  of  700  miles,  is  noted  as 
one  of  the  greatest  works  of  the  kind  in  the  world. 

Climate :  Not  so  warm  as  the  locality  would  seem  to  in- 
dicate. Only  in  the  south  is  the  weather  warm  ;  in  the  north 
the  winters  are  cold. 

Products. — The  most  important  products  are  tea,  silk,  rice, 
cotton,  indigo  and  most,  tropical  fruits;  the  tallow,  wax,  and 
candle  trees;  forests  of  bamboo,  rhubarb,  numerous  medici- 
nal plants,  and  porcelain  earth.  Fine  silk  and  cotton  goods 
are  manufactured,  excellent  porcelain  and  fancy  ware,  and 
also  the  finest  paper. 

Inhabitants. — The  inhabitants  are  distinguished  by  nu- 
merous peculiarities.  Herein  may  be  considered  their  re- 
markable distrust  of  foreigners,  their  singular  ideas  of  beauty, 
their  costume,  manner  of  living  and  art  of  penmanship; 
Stoutness,  or  rather  obesity  and  long  finger  nails  are  deemed 
marks  of  beauty,  and  in  the  females,  small  feet,  which  being 
compressed  in  infancy,  are  so  diminutive  as  scarcely  to  en- 
able them  to  walk  without  assistance.  Yellow  is  the  color 
assumed  by  mourners.  Politeness  degenerates  here  into  ri- 
diculous ceremonies,  as  for  example,  the  various  salutations 
prescribed  by  a  fixed  rule  of  the  greatest  minuteness,  which 
are  to  be  observed  towards  individuals  according  to  their 
rank  and  condition.  When  one  desires  to  address  a  princi- 
pal mandarin  or  officer  of  state,  he  kneels  and  bows  his  head 
three  times,  and  during  the  interview,  holds  his  hand  before 
his  mouth.  The  written  language  contains  about  80,000  signs 
or  characters,  each  of  which  designates  a  particular  idea,  and 
writing  is  performed  from  bottom  to  top.  The  bulk  of  the 
Chinese  profess  the  religion  of  Foo,  which  teaches  the  trans- 
migration of  souls.  According  to  this  doctrine,  the  soul  of 
man,  after  death,  occupies  the  body  of  a  priest ;  afterwards 
that  of  another  man  or  an  animal,  just  as  he  has  been 
righteous  or  wicked,  by  which  means  it  ascends  through  dif- 
ferent series  arid  purifications  until  it  reaches  ultimate  perfec- 
tion. The  court  worships  the  Grand  Lama,  and  the  educated 
receive  the  teachings  of  Confucius,  as  their  highest  authority. 
The  Christian  and  Mohammedan  religions  are  not  tolerated  ex- 
cept under  great  restrictions.  The  form  of  government  is  in 
the  highest  degree  despotic,  the  authority  of  the  Emeror  being 
unlimited:  on  this  account  he  calls  himself  the  Son  of  Heaven. 


ASIA.  383 

PEKIN,  the  capital  and  residence  of  the  Emperor,  is  situa- 
ted in  a  fertile  plain,  about  50  miles  from  the  great  wall,  and 
has  a  circumference  of  20  miles,  and  from  Ij  to  2  million 
inhabitants.  It  is  divided  into  two  parts  and  is  surrounded 
by  walls,  and  contains  many  long,  straight  and  broad  streets,- 
but  the  cross  streets  are  closed  by  night  at  each  corner  with 
wooden  lattice  gates.  There  are  here  almost  10,000  palaces; 
(the  Imperial  being  two  miles  in  circumference,)  many  lofty 
temples,  one  Greek  and  two  Roman  Catholic  churches  and  a 
Mohammedan  Mosque.  The  city  has  an  Imperial  university 
and  an  observatory. 

NANKIN,  situated  on  the  Yang-tse  Kiang,  90  miles  from  its 
mouth,  has  a  circuit  of  18  miles,  500,000  inhabitants  and 
the  celebrated  porcelain  tower,  200  feet  high,  which  contains 
nine  stories^  A  gallery  runs  around  each  story,  on  the  pro- 
jecting points  of  which  numerous  small  bells  are  suspended, 
which,  when  moved  by  the  wind,  produce  a  delightful  play  of 
music.  The  silk  and  cotton  manufactures  of  this  place  are 
celebrated  5  and  from  this  city  the  Nankeen  cloth  derives  its 
name. 

CANTON,  on  the  river  of  the  same  name,  is  the  principal 
emporium  of  the  Empire,  arid  is  superior  in  wealth  and  pop- 
ulation to  any  other  commercial  city  of  Asia.  It  was,  up  to 
1842,  the  only  entrepot  in  China  to  which  European  and 
American  vessels  were  allowed  access,  and  these  lay  at 
the  island  of  Wampu,  15  miles  distant,  as  the  harbor  was 
not  sufficiently  capacious  1o  receive  them.  The  Europeans 
dwell  in  the  suburbs  along  the  river  where  the  manft- 
factories  are  principally  built.  The  population  is  esti- 
mated as  high  as  1 J  millions,  and  of  this  amount  near  one 
half  million  are  composed  of  the  pariah  race  of  China,  who 
dwell  in  the  boat  town,  consisting  of  40,000  boats,  none  of 
whom  are  permitted  to  enter  the  city  proper. 

AMOY  is  situated  on  an  island  opposite  the  island  of  Formosa,  and  is  one 
of  the  ports  opened  to  European  and  American  commerce,  by  the  treaty 
of  1842.  Population  800,000. 

Foo-Cuoo  is  also  one  of  the  free  ports  opened  by  the  treaty  of  1842,  with 
500,000  inhabitants. 

NINGPO,  north  of  Foo  Choo,  is  six  miles  in  circumference,  and  surrounded 
by  walls  25  feet  high,  with  300,000  inhabitants.  It  is  one  of  the  five  ''Free 
Torts." 

SIIAXG-HAI,  1GO  miles  south-east  of  Nankin,  is  next  to  Canton,  the 
most  commercial  city  of  China.  It  is  surrounded  with  walls.  This  is  also 
one  of  the  "  Freo  Ports."  Population  190,000. 


384  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

TEENTSIN  is  the  port  of  Pekin,  and  a  great  salt  emporium,  with  703,000 
inhabitants. 

KING-TE-CHING  is  the  principal  seat  of  the  porcelain  manufacture  in 
China.  Population  1,000,000. 

HANGTCHOW,  with  500,000  inhabitants. 

MACAO,  upon  an  island  of  the  same  name,  belongs  to  the  Portuguese. 

The  Chinese  pbssess  only  the  western  part  of  the  island  of  Formosa  ;  the 
coast  of  Hainan  ;  the  remainder  is  occupied  by  independent  tribes. 

2.  MANTCHOORIA, 

Is  an  elevated  and  mountainous  region,  washed  on  the  east 
by  the  Japan  sea,  covered  with  vast  forests  and  fertile  valleys 
and  has  rather  a  cold  climate.  This  section  of  country  is 
traversed  hy  the  river  Amoor,  which  rises  in  Siberia,  and  it 
contains  an  area  of  600,000  square  miles,  and  a  population 
of  1,500,000,  who  profess  principally  the  religion  of  Lama. 
The  inhabitants  are  nomads  and  subsist  chiefly  as  shepherds, 
fisherman  or  hunters  ;  some,  however,  cultivate  the  soil  and 
grow  fruits.* 

8.  MONGOLIA, 

West  of  Mantchooria,has  an  area  of  from  1,500,000  to  2,000,- 
000  square  miles,  and  3,000,000  inhabitants,  who  are  wor- 
shippers of  Lama,  and  governed  by  Khans,  that  recognize 
the  Emperor  of  China  as  their  supreme  head.  The  inhabi- 
tants are  divided  into  two  principal  races .  1.  The  Mongols  ; 
2.  The  Calmucks.  This  region  is  traversed  by  the  Altai  moun- 
tains, and  here  the  Obi,  the  Irtish,  the  Yenisei,  and  the  Ho- 
ang-ho  have  their  sources.  Of  animals,  the  horse,  the  ass, 
the  ox  and  the  sheep  are  found  wild  here.  Locusts  and  gnats 
infest  this  country.  In  the  southern  part  is  the  great  desert 
of  Shamo,  also  called  Gobi,  which  is  composed  of  coarse 
sand  and  gravel.  Caravans  from  China  and  Russia  pass  di- 
agonally over  this  desert,  amidst  the  greatest  difficulties.  It 
abounds  in  salt  lakes.  On  the  oases  of  this  desert,  hordes  of 
Mongols  dwell. 

DSCHEHOL  is  the  capital,  where  the  emperor  sojourns 
during  the  hot  season,  when  he  amuses  himself  by  hunting. 

MAIMATCHIN,  is  a  border  town  opposite  Kiachta,  which  carries  on  a  con- 
siderable trade  between  China  and  Russia.  The  caravans  from  China  pass 
here. 

4.  TURFAN, 
Called    also    Little   Bokhara,   lies   betv/een    Soongarhi    and 

•  Tkia  yast  country  was  recently  annexed  by  Russia  to  Siberia. 


ASIA.  385 

Thibet,  and  contains  an  area  of  550,000  square  miles,  and 
1,000,000  inhabitants,  chiefly  Mohammedans.  Here  is  the 
desert  of  Schaschin,  and  the  river  Yarkand,  which  empties 
into  lake  Lop.  This  country  is  governed  by  Khans,  who  are 
tributary  to  China.  The  inhabitants  have  fixed  habitations, 
and  carry  on  a  considerable  trade  by  means  of  caravans. 
TURF  AX,  the  residence  of  a  Khan. 

YARKAND  is  a  very  important  manufacturing  and  commercial 
city,  situated  upon  a  river  of  the  same  name,  in  which  the 
Chinese  caravans  assemble.  Population  80,000. 

5.  THIBET, 

Between  Little  Bokhara  and  Hindostan,  contains  an  area  ot 
500,000  square  miles  and  12,000,000  inhabitants,  professing 
the  religion  of  Lama,  and  who  believe  in  the  transmigration 
of  the  soul.  This  belief  teaches  that  the  soul  of  the  ruling 
Dalai  Lama  or  Grand  Lama,  at  his  death,  enters  into  another 
man,  and  thus  continues  to  reign.  Such  is  also  the  case 
with  the  Bogdo  Lama,  who  has  also  a  small  state  here.  On 
the  borders  of  Hindostan  rise  the  Himalaya,  the  loftiest 
mountains  upon  the  globe,  with  Kunchinjunga  their  highest 
peak,  and  in  the  northwestern  part  the  Mooz-Tagh.  The 
Ganges,  the  Brahmaputra,  the  Irrawaddy  and  the  Mai-Kiang 
have  their  sources  here.  The  most  important  articles  of 
trade  in  Thibet  are  the  wool  of  the  mountain  sheep,  and  the 
hair  of  the  mountain  goat,  the  latter  having  a  fineness  of  tex- 
ture like  silk.  Both  these  articles  are  brought  to  Cashmere, 
where  they  are  manufactured  into  the  most  costly  shawls  and 
other  sumptuous  garments. 

LASSA,  the  capital  and  residence  of  the  Dalai  Lama,  and  of 
the  Chinese  Viceroy,  with  50,000  inhabitants.  It  is  visit- 
ed by  great  multitudes  of  pilgrims.  At  the  distance  of  ten 
miles  from  the  city  is  the  large  summer  residence  of  the 
Grand  Lama,  called  Putala,  containing  10,000  chambers. 

TISCHULUMBU,  the  residence  of  the   Bogdo  Lama  and  of  a  Chinese  Vice- 
roy, in  the  •western  part,  called  Little  Thibet. 

6.  SOONGARIA, 

Is  the  most  northwestern  division  of  the  Chinese  Empire  and  is  principally 
composed  of  a  poor,  thin  soil,  destitute  of  timber,  but  in  some  places  exten- 
sive forests  are  found.  Gold,  iron,  copper  and  coal  exist  here. 


3S6  GEOGRAPHICAL  SAND  BOOK. 

7.  COREA, 

A  peninsula  lying  south  of  Mantchooria,  between  the  Yellow 
and  Japan  Seas,  contains  an  area  of  irom  125  to  150,000 
square  miles,  and  10,000,000  inhabitants,  who  profess  the 
religion  of  Foo.  The  king  pays  tribute  to  the  Chinese 
Emperor,  but  in  other  respects  his  authority  is  despotic.  No 
European  dare  set  foot  within  the  bounds  of  this  peninsula, 
nor  is  a  subject  permitted  to  leave  it,  under  penalty  of  death. 
The  culture  of  silk  is  a  great  object  of  industry. 

KINQ-KI-TAO,  the  capital  and  residence  of  the  king,  lies  near  the  centre  of 
the  peninsula.     A  large  library  is  collected  here. 

THE  LEW-CHEW  ISLANDS, 

Lie  east  of  China,  between  Japan  and  Formosa.  The  inhabitants,  amount- 
ing to  50,000,  acknowledge  the  religion  of  Foo.  Some  of  these  island  form 
part  of  the  dominions  of  Japan ;  others  of  China.  The  southern  islands 
have  their  own  independent  king. 


VIII.  THE  EMPIRE  OF  JAPAN. 

Area  170,000  square  miles.     Population  40,000,000. 

The  Empire  of  Japan,  called  Niphon  by  the  inhabitants, 
consists  of  several  large  and  many  small  islands,  situated  in 
the  perilous  sea  of  Japan,  where  the  terrible  hurricanes, 
termed  Typhoons,  rage. 

Surface. — Many  lofty  mountains  traverse  this  empire, 
which  are  viewed  as  a  continuance  of  those  in  Corea  and 
Mantchooria.  There  are  many  volcanoes,  and  earthquakes 
are  no  rare  occurrence. 

Rivers. — The  largest  is  called  Yedegawa,  which  is  the  out- 
let of  Lake  Oits. 

Climate. — The  weather  is  quite  variable.  The  summer 
days  are  often  extremely  hot,  but  frequently  stormy,  rainy 
and  foggy  at  the  same  time. 

Products. — Of  the  many  excellent  products,  we  note  in 
particular  rice,  which  is  the  daily  food,  as  in  China ;  copper 
which  is  of  the  best  quality;  porcelain  earth,  which  is  found 
here  finer  than  elsewhere ;  also  the  tea  plant.  Much  silk 
and  cotton  goods,  lacquered  ware  and  excellent  porcelain  are 
here  manufactured. 


ASIA.  38t 

Inhabitants. — The  people  of  Japan  are  amongst  the  most 
highly  cultivated  of  Asia.  Their  religion  teaches  the  exis- 
tence of  a  Supreme  Being  and  also  of  inferior  gods,  but 
sanctions  no  images  in  their  temples.  Instead  of  these  they 
have  large  metallic  mirrors,  as  emblems  of  purity,  in  the 
presence  of  which  they  pay  their  devotions.  The  Supreme 
Being  is  in  their  estimation  too  infinite  to  be  worshiped  in 
temples ;  these  are  designed  only  for  the  inferior  deities  and 
saints.  The  exercise  of  the  Christian  religion  was  strictly 
prohibited  until  1854,  since  which  period  it  is  tolerated  by 
treaty.  The  obstructions  to  commerce  have  been  principally 
removed,  which,  to  within  a  recent  period  was  limited  only 
to  the  Chinese  and  Dutch,  and  to  these  only  at  the  single  port 
of  Nangasaki,  subject  to  the  greatest  restrictions.  The  chief 
sovereign  is  the  Kubo  Soma  or  Emperor,  whose  government 
is  despotic.  The  Dairi  Soma  is  the  spiritual  ruler,  and  he  is 
adored  almost  as  a  divinity.  The  color  of  garments  worn  by 
mourners  is  white. 

The  most  important  islands  are : 

1.  NIPHON, 

The  largest,  700  miles  long.  It  is  traversed  by  lofty  chains 
of  mountains,  whose  summits  are  covered  with  continual 
snow. 

JEDDO  is  the  capital  and  residence  of  the  emperor,  with 
1,500,000  inhabitants. 

MIAKO  orKio,Jthe  residence  of  the  ecclesiastical  ruler,  with 
many  manufactures,  great  trade  and  600,000  inhabitants. 

2.  KIUSIU. 

NANGASAKI  was  "the  first  city  opened  to  foreign  trade,  and 
has  60,000  inhabitants.  Upon  the  small  island  of  Desima, 
which  is  united  to  the  city  by  bridges,  the  first  Dutch  factories 
were  erected. 

3.  SIKOKE 
Is  but  little  known  to  Europeans. 

4.  JESSO. 

MATSMAI,  the  most  important  city  of  the  island,  with  50,000  inhabi- 
tants. 

HAKODADI,  one  of  the  three  ports  opened  in  1854,  with  20, 000  inhabitants. 


AFRICA 


Area  11,000,000  square  miles.     Population  100,000,000. 

Africa  is  a  large  peninsula,  lying  south  of  Europe  on  both 
sides  of  the  Equator,  and  is  united  to  Asia,  on  the  northeast 
by  the  isthmus  of  Suez;  the  remainder  of  it  is  surrounded 
by  water ;  on  the  north  by  the  Mediterrranean ;  east  by 
the  Red  sea  and  the  Indian  ocean  ;  and  south  and  west  by 
the  Indian,  Southern  and  Atlantic  oceans.  Africa,  in  spite  of 
all  the  efforts  of  modern  times,  remains  as  yet  but  compara- 
tively little  known. 

MOUNTAINS. 

1.  The  Jltlas,  in  North  Africa,  with  cape  Bon,  in  Tunis, 
arid  cape  Spartel  in  Morocco. 

2.  The  large  mountain  chain  which  divides  Africa,  near 
the  middle,  bears  in  the  west  the  name  of  the  Kong  moun- 
tains ;  in  the  centre,  the  mountains  of  the  Moon ;  and  in  the 
east  the  Abyssinian  mountains.     The  western  terminations 
of  this  chain   form  the  promonteries  of  Sierra  Leone  and 
Cape  Verd  ;  the  eastern  is  called  Cape  Guardafui. 

3.  The  Lupata  mountains,  in  South  Africa,   extend  into 
cape  Colony,  under  the  name  of  the  Snow  mountains,  as  far 
as  the  cape  of  Good  Hope  and  cape  Nadel 

RIVERS. 

1.  The  Nile,  the  largest  river  of  Africa,  rises  in  the  Abyssin- 
ian Alps,  flows  through  Abyssinia,  Nubia  and  Egypt,  and 
empties,  after  a  course  of  2,750  mile?,  into  the  Mediterranean. 

2.  The  Senegal  and    Gambia  have  their  sources  in  the 
Kong  mountains,  and  flow  through  Senegambia  into  the  At- 
lantic. 

3.  The   Niger  or    Quorra,  rises   in   the    aforementioned 
mountains,  flows  at  first  in  an  eastern  direction,  then  bends 
to   the     south,   and  after  pursuing    its    course    for    2,300 
miles,  empties  into  the  gulf  of  Guinea. 

The  Zaire  or  Congo,  having  an  unknown  source,  flows 
into  the  Atlantic. 


AFRICA.  389 

The  Zambezi  rises  in  the  interior  of  southern  Africa,  and 
flows  east  into  the  channel  of  Mozambique. 

The  Orange  rises  in  South  Africa  and  flows  west  into  the 
Atlantic. 

COUNTRIES  ON  THE  NILE: 

1.  Egypt.  2.  Nubia.  3.  Abyssinia. 

ON  THE  NORTH  COAST,  OR  THE  BARBARY  STATES: 

1.  Tripoli  and  Barca.     2.  Tunis.  3.  Algeria. 

4.  Morocco. 

UPON  THE  WEST  COAST  . 

1.  Senegambia.  2.  Upper  Guinea.  3.  Lower  Guinea. 

4.  The  Sterile  Coast. 

ON  THE  SOUTH  COAST: 

Cape  Colony. 
UPON  THE  EASTERN  COAST: 

1.  The  South  African  States.     2.  Mozambique.  3.  Zanguebar. 

4.  Ajan. 

IN  THE  INTERIOR: 

1.  Beled  el  Jerid,  2.  Sahara.  3.  Soudan. 

4.  High  Africa. 

THE  ISLANDS. 
1.  In  the  Indian  ocean.  2.  In  the  Atlantic  ocean. 


COUNTRIES  UPON  THE  NILE, 

Along  the  Red  Sea. 

I.  EGYPT. 

Occupies  the  northeastern  part  of  Africa,  is  united  to  Arabia 
by  the  isthmus  of  Suez,  and  its  boundaries  are  the  Mediter- 
ranean on  the  north,  the  Red  sea  on  the  east,  Nubia  on  the 
south,  and  the  Sahara  on  the  west. 

Surface  and  Rivers. — There  are  mountains  running  upon 
both  sides  of  the  Nile,  which  enclose  its  valley  of  from  ten 
to  twenty  miles  wide,  and  which  is  annually  overflowed  by 
this  river  from  May  to  October.  Egypt,  with  the  exception 
of  this  remarkably  fertile  valley,  consists  of  a  vast  desert  of 


390  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

sand.  Birket  el  Karoun  is  the  largest  of  the  Egyptian  lakes, 
and  abounds  in  fish.  It  was  in  the  vicinity  of  this  lake  that 
the  ancient  Egyptians  held  the  remarkable  court  of  death. 
The  remains  of  Mosris,  the  famous  ancient  artificial  lake,  have 
been  recently  identified  in  the  east  part  of  Fayoom. 

Climate. — The  climate  is  very  hot,  the  atmosphere  being 
clear  and  the  sky  rarely  clouded.  Rain  falls  here  seldom; 
but  the  visitations  of  the  sickness  wafting  wind,  called  the 
Harmattan,  are  frequent,  and  the  eyes  of  the  inhabitants  at- 
test its  effects. 

Products. — Some  of  the  noted  animals  of  Egypt  are  the 
crocodile,  the  ichneumon,  the  hippopotamus,  the  carrion 
eagle,  the  pelican,  the  flamingo,  the  ibis,  the  stork  and  the 
crane.  The  main  vegetable  products  are  rice,  maize  and 
wheat,  and  also  the  papyrus.  A  remarkable  substance  is 
found  here  called  natron,  a  dark  brown  salt,  which  is  pro- 
duced in  the  inland  lakes, 

Inhabitants. — The  Egyptians  are  composed  of  Copts, 
(christians  and  descendants  of  the  ancient  Egyptians)  Turks, 
who  are  the  dominant  race,  Arabians,  Negroes  and  Eu- 
ropeans. The  prevailing  religion  is  Islamism,  and  the  color 
of  the  mourning  garb  is  a  darkish  yellow.  The  government 
is  in  the  hands  of  a  pasha,  who  pays  an  annual  tribute  to 
the  Sultan  of  Constantinople,  but  independent  of  this,  he  is 
the  absolute  ruler.  The  population  of  Egypt  is  about 
3,000,000.  The  usual  division  is  into  Upper,  Middle  and 
Lower  Egypt. 

CAIRO,  the  capital  and  residence  of  the  sovereign,  is  situ- 
ated on  the  Nile,  in  middle  Egypt,  and  is  the  most  populous 
city  in  the  whole  country.  It  is  the  Egyptian  centre  of  trade 
and  contains  many  mosques,  some  Christian  churches,  and 
300,000  inhabitants.  Cairo  is  the  chief  seat  of  Mohomme- 
dan  learning  and  intellectual  cultivation.  Upon  an  island  in 
the  Nile  is  erected  a  column  called  the  Nilometer,  which 
shows  the  rise  and  fall  of  its  water.  Joseph's  well,  in  Cairo, 
is  an  object  of  great  curiosity. 

GIZEH,  also  situated  on  the  Nile,  west  of  Cairo,  contains  the 
ruins  of  Memphis,  the  ancient  capital  of  Egypt.  North  of 
this  lie  the  Pyramids,  the  field  of  mummies  full  of  subterra- 
nean sepulchres,  and  the  colossal  statue  of  the  Sphinx,  a  fabu- 
lous female  monster. 

SUEZ,  a  commercial  town  upon  the  isthmus  of  its  own  name,  at  the  extrem- 


ATEIOA.  391 

itj  of  the  Gulf  of  Arabia.  A  line  of  steamers  runs  from  here  to  India 
since  1830. 

DAMIETTA,  situated  upon  the  eastern  arm  of  the  Nile,  is  a  place  of  con- 
siderable trade,  with  28,000  inhabitants.  Much  rice  is  grown  in  the  vicinity. 
Near  the  city  lies  the  field  where  St.  Louis  defeated  the  Saracens,  1249,  in  a 
bloody  battle,  but  became  their  prisoner. 

ROSETTA,  in  a  fertile  region  upon  the  western  arm  of  the  Nile,  four  miles 
from  its  mouth,  surrounded  by  groves  of  orange,  sycamore  and  date  trees. 

ABOUKIR,  contains  the  road  in  which  Admiral  Nelson  destroyed  the  French 
fleet  in  1798. 

ALEXANDRIA,  situated  on  the  Mediterranean,  near  the 
mouth  of  the  Nile,  was  founded  by  Alexander  the  Great,  and 
is  replete  with  many  reminiscences  of  historic  interest.  It 
was  once  the  splendid  capital  of  the  Ptolemies,  one  of  the 
great  seats  of  science  and  literature,  and  the  emporium  of 
oriental  commerce.  Here  the  septuagint  version  of  the 
scriptures  was  translated.  Alexandria  is  lamed  in  history  tor 
its  library,  the  largest  of  antiquity,  containing  700,000  vol- 
umes, which  was  burned  by  order  of  the  Caliph  Omar,  in  the 
year  642,  in  which  it  is  supposed  many  of  the  choicest  pro- 
ductions of  the  ancients  perished.  It  is  greatly  declined 
since  the  days  of  its  pristine  grandeur,  with  only  60,000  in- 
habitants. Many  Europeans  dwell  here.  Near  the  city 
stand  the  monolith,  known  as  Pompey's  Pillar,  and  the 
obelisk  called  Cleopatra's  Needle,  the  former  120,  the  latter 
64  feet  high. 


II.  NUBIA. 

Lies  south  of  Egypt  and  west  of  the  Red  Sea.  The  Pasha 
of  Egypt  has  overrun  this  country,  and  it  has  been  subject  to 
his  authority  since  1821.  It  is  quite  mountainous  and  con- 
tains large  deserts,  but  also  a  great  quantity  of  fertile  soil, 
especially  in  the  valley  of  the  Nile.  This  river  is  formed 
hereby  the  junction  of  the  Blue  river,  which  rises  in  Abys- 
sinia, with  the  White  river  rising  in  the  interior  of  Africa, 
and  it  forms  in  its  course  through  Nubia  many  cataracts. 
The  majority  of  the  Nubians  profess  Mohammedanism,  but 
Pagans,  Christians  and  Jews  are  also  numerous.  The  ex- 
ports consist  of  ostrich  feathers,  ivory,  gum  and  slaves. 

1.  NUBIA  in  a  more  limited  sense  comprises  only  the 
northern  part  of  this  country.  The  banks  of  the  Nile  through 
Nubia  are  every  where  covered  with  the  ruins  of  ancient  and 


392  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND   BOOK. 

unknown  cities,  and  in  many  places  the  ruins  of  magnificent 
temples  are  yet  visible.     Here  no  large  cities  are  built. 

2.  THE  TERRITORY  OF  DoNGOLAlies  near  the  centre  of  Nu- 
bia, upon  both  sides  of  the  Nile.     The  horses  of  this  region 
are  famed  for  their  excellence.     This  district  has  no  large 
cities,  but  the  traveller  Caillaud  discovered  here  in  1821,  an 
ancient  temple  over  300  feet  long,  with    90  columns,  each 
over  30  feet  high. 

3.  THE  NEGRO  DOMINIONS  OF  SENNAAR  comprise  the  south- 
ern part  of  Nubia,  bounded  by  Abyssinia.     This  division  is 
traversed  by  the  Nile,  or  rather  its  component  rivers  and  their 
affluents.     Hurricanes,  storms  and   rainy  weather  are  usual, 
and  the  climate  is  unhealthy.     Many   follow  nomadic  pur- 
suits, and  all   speak  Arabic.     Sennaar,  the  capital,  is  built 
upon  an  eminence  on  the  left  bank  of  the  Blue  river,  and  is 
surrounded  by  a  fertile  plain. 

4.  CORDOFAN,  situated  westward  of  the  White  river,  was  in 
the  year  1820,  conquered  by  the  Pasha  of  Egypt     It  is  an 
oasis. 


III.  ABYSSINIA  (the  ancient  Ethiopia,) 

Lies  southeast  of  Nubia,  and  west  of  the  Red  sea,  and  is  one 
of  the  most  elevated  countries  of  Africa,  the  mountains  of 
which  attain  an  altitude  of  15,000  feet.  Here  the  Bahr  el 
Azrek  or  Blue  river  has  its  source.  The  climate  in  the 
lowlands  and  valleys  is  warm,  but  quite  mild  in  the  High- 
lands and  mountainous  districts.  The  soil  is  luxuriantly  fer- 
tile, and  yields  numerous  products  of  the  choicest  qualities, 
and  the  hills  and  mountains  are  covered  with  forests.  The 
rainy  season  lasts  from  April  to  September,  then  comes  har- 
vest, after  which  heat  and  drought  prevail.  The  inhabitants 
are  a  peculiar  people,  very  different  from  the  negroes,  and 
are  principally  Christians,  so  much  so  that  Abyssinia  may, 
"be  classed  as  a  Christian  country,  the  only  one  in  Africa. 
Christianity  was  introduced  here  from  Egypt,  as  early  as  the 
year  330,  A.  D.,  and  the  Bishop  is  subject  to  the  jurisdiction 
of  the  patriarch  of  Cairo.  Many  Mohammedans,  Jews  and 
Fetish  worshippers  also  dwell  here.  The  whole  of  Abys- 
sinia was  formerly  governed  by  one  prince  or  Emperor, 
but  it  is  now  divided  into  several  states,  and  the  power  of 
the  EmperoHs  almost  entirely  wrested  from  him, 


APRICA.  393 

THE  GALLAS,  a  ferocious  and  sanguinary  people,  have 
made  themselves  masters  of  several  provinces. 

GONDAR,  situated  upon  a  hill  in  a  spacious  valley,  is  the 
most  important  city,  and  was  once  the  capital,  with  50,000 
inhabitants. 

ADOWA  is  the  chief  commercial  place.  Articles  of  cotton  which  are  manu- 
factured here  supply  the  place  of  money. 
AXUM  is  noted  for  its  extensive  ruins. 
MASSUAH  is  the  chief  seaport. 


THE  BARBARY  STATES. 

The  whole  extent  of  country  along  the  Mediterranean,  from 
Egypt  to  the  Atlantic  is  so  named,  as  is  supposed,  from  the 
Berbers,  the  aboriginal  inhabitants.  These  inhabit  the  moun- 
tainous localities,  living  in  small  villages.  They  are  a  wild 
athletic  and  finely  formed  race,  who  easily  endure  hunger  and 
difficulties  of  all  kinds.  This  portion  of  Africa  thus  border- 
ing on  the  Mediterranean,  is  traversed  by  the  Atlas  moun- 
tains, whose  lofty  summits  are  the  regions  of  eternal  snow. 


I.  TRIPOLI  AND   BARCA, 

West  of  Egypt,  with  2,000,000  inhabitants,  principally  Ber- 
bers and  Moors,  who  are  confessors  of  the  Mohammedan 
doctrines.  These  countries  abound  in  dates,  oil  and  saffron.  The 
government  is  in  the  hands  of  the  Sultan  of  Constantinople, 
who  rules  them  by  means  of  Pashas.  Barca  was  the  ancient 
Lybia. 

TRIPOLI,  the  capital  and  residence  of  the  Pasha,  is  a  strong- 
ly fortified  city,  with  a  considerable  trade,  and  25,000  inhabi- 
tants. 

BARCA,  in  the  interior,is  a  waste  and  sterile  country,  usual- 
ly called  the  Desert  Barca  ;  it  contains,  however,  some  habi- 
table spots,  (oases)  and  its  soil  is  very  fertile  along  the 
Mediterranean  coast.  The  inhabitants  scarcely  amount  to 
300,000,  and  they  are  principally  nomads. 


R* 


394  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

II.  TUNIS   (the  ancient  Africa  Propria,) 

West  of  Tripoli,  comprises  from  two  to  three  million  inhabi- 
tants, who  are  also  Mohammedans.  The  ruler  of  this  State 
is  termed  the  Bey.  He  receives  his  appointment  irom  the 
Turkish  military  power,  and  rules  in  conjunction  with  the 
Divan,  paying  an  annual  tribute  to  the  Sultan  of  Constanti- 
nople as  his  protector  and  sovereign. 

TUNIS,  built  upon  a  small  bay  of  the  Mediterranean,  has 
130,000  inhabitants,  30,000  of  whom  are  Jews.  The  forti- 
fied castle  where  the  Bey  resides  is  situated  two  miles  out- 
side of  the  city,  and  the  harbor  is  defended  by  a  strong  fort 
near  it.  An  active  trade  from  the  interior  of  Africa  is  carried 
on  with  this  city  in  ostrich  feathers,  gold  dust,  ivory  and  gum- 
arabic  ;  also  in  the  products  of  the  soil,  such  as  grain,  oil, 
silk,  &c.  In  the  vicinity  is  the  site  of  the  ancient  city  of  Car- 
thage, long  the  Queen  of  the  Mediterranean  and  the  rival  of 
Rome.  But  few  vestiges  of  this  once  celebrated  city  are  visi- 
ble. 

CASES  or  GABBS,  with  30,000  inhabitants,  who  carry  on  a  lively  trade  in 
dates. 


III.  ALGERIA  (the  ancient  Numidia,) 

At  present  chiefly  under  the  dominion  of  the  French,  lies 
west  of  Tunis,  comprising  about  2,500,000  inhabitants,  the 
bulk  of  whom  are  Mohammedans.  The  principal  exports 
are  dates,  ostrich  feathers,  wax  and  grain. 

ALGIERS,  formerly  the  great  nest  of  robbers  and  pirates, 
who  infested  the  Mediterranean  until  its  conquest  by  the 
French  in  1830,  when  the  Dey  and  the  Turks  retired  from 
the  city.  It  is  a  strongly  fortified  place,  built  upon  the  de- 
clivity of  a  hill,  on  the  Mediterranean,  in  the  form  of  an 
amphitheatre.  It  contains  100,000  inhabitants,  45,000  of 
whom  are  Europeans. 

CONSTAKTINB,  is  a  fortified  city,  with   29,000   inhabitants.     It  has  some 
interesting  Roman  ruins. 

ORAN,  is  a  commercial  town  with  a  castle,  and  20,000  inhabitants. 
BONA,  is  a  fortified  seaport. 


AFRICA.  395 

VI.  THE  EMPIRE  OF  MOROCCO  (ancient  Mauritania,) 

Is  the  most  western  and  largest  of  the  Barbary  States,  with 
about  10,000,000  inhabitants,  some  of  whom  dwell  in  cities 
and  others  lead  a  wandering  life.  Mohammedanism  is  the 
ruling  religion.  The  Sultan  or  Emperor  is  a  despot  whose 
will  is  law.  The  climate  is  very  pleasant ;  snow  seldom  falls 
and  winter  is  known  only  by  the  quantity  of  rain.  The 
pestilence  often  makes  great  ravages  amongst  the  inhabitants. 
The  principal  products  are  grain,  oil,  almonds,  gum,  tobacco, 
copper  and  salt.  Forests  of  cork  wood  grow  here. 

MOROCCO,  the  capital  and  usual  residence  of  the  Sultan,  is 
situated  near  the  Atlas  mountains  and  is  encompassed  by 
palm  trees.  The  Imperial  palace  has  a  circumference  of  two 
miles,  and  forms,  like  the  Seraglio  of  the  Sultan  of  Constan- 
tinople, a  small  city  of  itself.  The  Jews  occupy  their  own 
section  of  the  city.  The  great  morocco  factories  and  graner- 
ries  are  object  of  interest.  Population  100,000. 

MOGADOEE,  is  a  fortified  commercial  city  on  the  Atlantic,  with  30,000 
inhabitants. 

MEQUINEZ,  situated  in  a  fertile  valley,  surrounded  by  groves  of  olive  trees, 
contains  a  royal  residence  where  the  Emperor  sojourns  during  a  portion  of 
the  year.  Population  60,000. 

FEZ,  is  a  large,  important  and  the  principal  com- 
mercial city  of  the  Empire,  situated  at  the  foot  ot  the  Atlas 
mountains, with  extensive  manufactures  of  silks,  turbans  ard 
morocco.  This  city  during  the  16th  century  was  a  great 
seat  of  Arabic  learning.  Population  90,000. 

TANGIER,  upon  the  strait  of  Gibraltar,  is  the  residence  of  European  consuls. 
CBUTA,  is  a  fortified  town    belonging  to  Spain,  and  her  chief  convict 
establishment. 


UPON  THE  WESTERN  COAST 


Along  the  Atlantic  and  the  Ethiopian  sea.  On  the  north  lies 
the  above  described  Empire  of  Morocco,  then  follows  the 
coast  of  Sahara,  which  is  succeeded  by  : 


I.  SENEGAMBIA. 

This  country  derives  its  name  from  the  rivers  Senegal  and 
Gambia.  It  is  somewhat  mountainous,  being  traversed  in 
the  south  by  the  Kong  mountains;  on  the  coast  is  Cape 


396  GEOGRAPHICAL    HAND    BOOK. 

Verd  or  the  Green  Promontory,  so  named  because  the  foliage 
of  its  forests  is  constantly  green.  The  heat  is  almost  intoler- 
able and  the  sand  is  burning  hot  The  Harmattan  an  all 
scorching  northeast  wind,  and  fearful  tornadoes  and  hurri- 
canes, accompanied  by  the  most  awful  storms  from  the  south- 
west, are  amongst  the  visitors  of  this  country.  The  soil 
exhibits  an  unsurpassed  degree  of  fertility.  Of  the  numer- 
ous products  of  the  vegetable  kingdom,  the  banana,  the 
gigantic  baobad,  the  butter  tree  and  the  cocoanut  tree  grow 
here ;  also  gum,  cotton,  indigo,  #c.  Of  indigenous  animals, 
elephants,  lions,  leopards,  panthers,  hyenas,  apes  and  serpents 
of  immense  magnitude  are  found.  The  inhabitants  consist 
of  Moors  and  Negroes,  but  the  number  can  only  be  conjectu- 
red, and  they  are  composed  of  both  Mohammedans  and 
Heathen,  and  are  governed  by  numerous  petty  princes.  The 
French,  British  and  Portuguese  have  many  trading  places 
along  the  coast,  and  the  exports  consist  principally  of  gum, 
gold,  ivory,  cotton,  indigo,  ebony  and  pepper. 

The  French  possess  the  island  of  St.  Louis,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Senegal 
river,  and  also  the  island  of  Goree,  south  of  Cape  Verd. 

The  British  possess  the  island  of  St.  James,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Gambia. 
The  Portuguese  possess  the  town  of  Cacheo,  on  the  river  St.  Domingo. 


II.  UPPER  GUINEA,  OR  GUINEA  PROPER, 

Stretches  from  Senegambia  to  Cape  Lopez,  having  a  coast 
extent  of  over  2,500  miles.  This  country,  like  Senegambia, 
is  afflicted  with  an  oppressively  hot  climate,  its  products  are 
in  general  the  same,  and  it  is  visited  in  like  manner  by  the 
blighting  Harmattan.  The  inhabitants  are  all  negroes,  who 
are  sunk  in  a  stupid  kind  of  idolatry,  called  fetichism.  These 
negroes  trade  extensively  with  the  British,  French,  Dutch  and 
Portuguese,  and  exchange  their  commodities,  consisting 
chiefly  of  the  same  articles  as  those  of  Senegambia,  in  lieu  of 
arms,  powder,  articles  of  finery  and  brandy. 

Upper  Guinea  is  divided  into  the  following  coasts  : 
1.  THE  COAST  or  SIERRA  LEONE.  Here  the  British  in  1787, 
with  a  view  of  suppressing  the  slave  trade,  established  a  set- 
tlement, and  have  made  considerable  efforts  to  colonise  the 
negroes  who  were  obtained  upon  captured  slave  ships. 

FREETOWN  is  the  capital. 


AFRICA.  397 

2.  THE  GRAIN  or  PEPPER  COAST,  so  called  from  the  Guinea 
pepper,  or  grains  of  Paradise.     The  American  Colonization 
Society   established,  in    1821,   a   settlement   on   this   coast, 
with     the     same    object    as    that    at    Freetown.       Many 
free  negroes  and   emancipated   slaves  of  the  United  States 
have  been  sent  thither,  and  the  friends  of  the  enterprise  re- 
gard this  colony  as  a  successful  effort  for  the  civilization  of 
Africa.     The  society  relinquished  its  authority  in   1847,  and 
the  colonists  have  adopted  a  republican  form  of  government 
similar  to  that  of  the  United  States.     The  country  upon  this 
coast  is  called  Liberia. 

MONROVIA  is  the  chief  town. 

3.  THE  IVORY   COAST,  which,  on  account  of  its  trade  in 
ivory, is  much  visited  by  trading  vessels. 

4.  THE    GOLD    COAST.       The    most     of    the    European 
colonies  have  been  planted  upon  this  coast. 

The  English  hold  Cape  Coast  Castle  and  some  smaller  ports. 
The  Dutch,  hold  Elmina  and  several  small  ports. 

The  Danes  held  formerly  Christiansborg,  Fredensborg,  Kongensteen  and 
Augustenborg,  but  sold  them  in  1849  to  the  English  government  for  £10,000. 

Upon  this  coast  is  the  negro  kingdom  of  Ashantee,  the 
brave  and  valiant  warriors  of  which  have  rendered  them- 
selves very  formidable  to  the  Europeans. 

5.  THE  SLAVE  COAST,  so  called  because  great  quantities  of 
negroes  were  formerly  purchased  here  and  sold  in  the  West 
Indies. 

The  French  possess  Fort  Francois,  and  the  Danes  formerly  possessed 
Prindsensteen,  now,  likewise  sold  to  the  English. 

Here  lies  the  Negro  Kingdom  of  Dahomey,  the  ruler  of  which  is  the 
greatest  despot  upon  the  earth.  Human  beings  are  sacrificed  in  his  do- 
minions, and  the  palace  of  the  king  is  ornamented  with  human  skulls. 

ABOMEY,  is  the  capital  and  residence  of  the  king,  with  30,000  inhabitants. 
The  sovereign  maintains  a  body  guard  of  5,000  Amazons  or  armed  females, 
who  are  commanded  by  officers  of  their  own  sex. 

6.  THE  COAST  OF  BENIN,  has  a  very  unhealthy  climate. 
Here  is  the  Negro  Kingdom  of  Benin,  the  king  of  which  is 
the  most  powerful  sovereign  of  Guinea.     Human  sacrifices 
are  also  numerous  here.     This  kind  of  oblation  is  offered  in 
order  to  propitiate  the  evil  deity. 

BENIN  the  capital,  situated  on  the  river  of  the  same  name,  is  surrounded 
by  a  ditch,  and  the  houses  are  covered  with  palm  leaves. 


398  GEOGRAPHICAL   HAND  BOOK. 

III.  LOWER  GUINEA  OR  CONGO, 

Extends  south  as  far  as  Cape  Negro.  The  climate  and  pro- 
ducts are  nearly  the  same  as  those  of  Upper  Guinea.  Great 
numbers  of  parrots  are  found  in  this  country,  which  render 
the  forests  vocal  with  their  chattering.  The  inhabitants  of 
Lower  Guinea  are  negroes,  some  of  whom  are  Christians, 
others  Heathen.  The  following  kingdoms  lie  upon  the 
coast :  1.  Loango,  north  of  the  river  Zaire,  governed  by  an 
independent  prince ;  2.  Congo,  3.  Angola,  and  4.  Benguela, 
all  south  of  the  river  Zaire  or  Coanga  and  dependencies  of 
the  Portuguese,  who  govern  a  large  strip  of  territory  upon 
the  coast.  They  have  also  established  factories  in  the  unex- 
plored interior,  and  their  trade  extends  even  to  the  eastern 
coast 

MALIMBA,  a  port  in  Loango,  greatly  visited  by  Europeans 

SAN  SALVADOR  is  the  capital  of  the  kingdom  of  Congo. 
Many  Europeans  dwell  in  this  city, and  the  Portuguese  main- 
tain a  garrison  here.  It  has  from  30  to  40,000  inhabitants. 

ST.  PAUL  DE  LOANDA,  is   the  capital  of  Angola,  and  the  seat  of  a  Portu- 
guese governor  and  bishop. 

ST.  FELIPPE  DE  BENGUELA,  is  also  the  seat  of  a  Portuguese  governor. 

IV.  THE  STERILE  COAST, 

Extends  from  Lower  Guinea  to  Cape  Colony,  and  is  inhabi- 
teb  by  tribes  of  wretched  Negroes  and  Hottentots,  who  have 
no  intercourse  with  the  Europeans. 

UPON  THE  SOUTH  COAST. 
1.  CAPE  COLONY, 

Which  alternates  with  mountains,  barren  districts  and  regions 
of  great  fertility.  The  latter  are  cultivated  by  European 
settlers,  principally  Dutch  and  Germans,  who  have  consider- 
ably supplanted  the  Hottentots,  the  aboriginal  inhabitants. 
Amongst  these  live  the  rude  Bushmen,  who  render  them- 
selves troublesome  to  their  neighbors,  by  their  frequent  rob- 
beries. The  climate  is  very  salubrious  and  there  are  only  two 
seasons  in  this  country,  caused  by  the  monsoons.  Wheat  is 
an  important  article  of  culture,  as  is  also  the  grape  from 
which  the  Cape  wine  is  manufactured  ;  but  the  flying  grass- 
hoppers are  a  great  plague  to  vegetation.  The  growing  of 


AFRICA.  399 

tea,  cotton,  and  coffee  are  great  branches  of  industry.  The 
whole  colony  belongs  to  the  English  since  the  year  1806, 
prior  to  which  time  it  was  owned  by  the  Dutch,  who  made  the 
first  settlements. 

CAPE  TOWN,  the  capital  and  seat  of  the  British  governor,  is 
situated  at  the  bottom  of  Table  Bay,  and  the  foot  of  Table 
mountain,  and  it  contains  25,000  inhabitants,  many  of  whom 
are  negroes  and  Hottentots.  The  East  India  traders  make 
this  a  stopping  place  to  obtain  supplies.  Turtle  meat  is  here 
a  very  customary  meal. 

CONSTAXTIA  is  &  small  village  south  of  the  capital,  noted  for  its  wines. 


UPON  THE  EASTERN  COAST, 

Along  the  Indian  ocean.  Although  this  coast  has  been  for 
upwards  of  300  years  visited  by  Europeans  for  its  trade  in 
gold,  ivory  and  slaves,  yet  it  is  much  less  known  than  the 
western. 

I.  THE  SOUTH  AFRICAN  STATES. 

These  comprise  the  extent  of  country  from  Cape  Colony  to 
Delagoa  Bay,  and  this  cluster  of  States  is  greatly  visited  on 
account  of  the  fisheries  along  the  coast,  especially  the  whale 
fisheries.  The  native  inhabitants  derive  their  subsistence 
chiefly  by  the  raising  of  cattle  and  hunting. 
These  States  are: 

1.  BRITISH   CAFFRARIA,  once  embracing  a  large  territory, 
but  now  much  restricted.     It  lies  northeast  of  Cape  Colony, 
upon  the  eastern  coast. 

2.  NATAL  is  a  late  British  Colony,  settled  chiefly  by  the 
Dutch  from  Cape  Colony.    It  embraces  a  coast  surface  of  200 
miles,  and  lies  northeast  of  British  Caffraria. 

D'URBAN  is  the  chief  town. 

3.  THE  ZOOLU  COUNTRY  lies  almost  north  of  Natal  and  re- 
sembles it  in  soil  and  climate.    The  inhabitants  rear  fine 
herds  of  cattle. 

4.  THE  ORANGE  RIVER  FREE  STATE  lies  west  of  Natal, 
from  which  it  is  separated  by  the  Draakberg  mountains.  The 
inhabitants  are  Dutch. 


400  GEOGRAPHICAL    HAND   BOOK. 

5.  THE  TRANSAVAAL  REPUBLIC  lies  west  of  the  Zoolu  country 
and  north  of  the  last  named  republic.  The  inhabitants  of 
this  republic  are  the  same  as  of  the  last  mentioned  State, 
and  the  British  have  acknowledged  the  independence  of 
both. 


II.  MOZAMBIQUE. 

The  inhabitants  of  the  interior  parts  of  Mozambique  are 
negroes  of  a  very  repulsive  aspect  and  very  warlike.  The 
coast  is  low,  flat  and  therefore  unhealthy.  The  Portuguese 
have  settlements  upon  this  coast,  but  the  most  important  pos- 
session is  the  island  of  Mozambique,  about  two  miles  distant 
from  the  main  land,  with  a  city  of  the  same  name.  This 
city  has  an  excellent  harbor,  is  the  centre  of  the  Portuguese 
trade  in  these  waters,  and  the  seat  of  a  Governor  and 
Bishop. 


III.  ZANGUEBAR. 

The  inhabitants  of  Zanguebar  are  partly  negroes  and 
partly  Arabs,  and  are  governed  by  many  petty  princes.  The 
Portuguese  formerly  exercised  great  influence  over  the  in- 
habitants, but  their  authority  has  given  place  to  that  of  the 
English.  Of  cities  we  enumerate  : 

MOMBAZ,  in  the  possession  of  the  English  since  1824, 
with  a  fine  harbor.  Its  trade  in  ivory,  honey  and  wax  is 
considerable. 

The  island  of  Zanguebar  on  the  coast,  with  an  excellent  harbor,  from  which 
vitriol,  gum,  ivory,  and  slaves  are  exported,  is  governed  by  a  Sheik,  who  ac- 
knowledges the  Iman  of  Muscat,  in  Arabia,  as  his  sovereign. 


IV.  AJAN, 

Is  principally  a  sterile  region  of  country,  north  of  Zanguebar 
and  south  of  the  gulf  of  Aden,  and  is  inhabited  by  Arabs 
and  Galla  tribes.  The  coast  stretching  from  cape  Guardafui 
to  the  strait  of  Bab  el  Mandeb,  is  called  also  by  the  name  of 
Ade),  and  it  is  inhabited  by  a  people  who  carry  on  an  ex- 


AFRICA.  401 

tensive   trade,  both   with   the   interior   of  Africa  and   with 
Arabia. 

MELINDE,  upon  the  coast  of  Aden  proper,  formerly  belonged  to  the  Portu- 
guese, but  is  no  longer  in  their  possession.  Here  Vasco  da  Gama  was  in 
1498,  hospitably  received  by  the  natives,  and  obtained  at  this  place  mari- 
ners who  had  already  made  the  passage  to  the  Indies. 

The  island  of  Socotra,  opposite  Cape  Guardafui,  noted  for  its  fertility  ;nd 
production  of  aloes,  belongs  since  1835  to  the  English. 


IN  THE  INTERIOR  : 
I.  BELED  EL  JERID, 

Or  the  Land  "of  Dates,  stretches  from  the  borders  of  Tripoli 
along  the  Barbary  States  to  the  Atlantic  ocean.  It  is  a  desert 
country,  containing  some  oases,  famous  for  their  abundance 
of  dates.  The  inhabitants  are  mostly  Mohammedans,  and 
they  partly  lead  nomadic  lives  and  partly  live  in  settled 
abodes,  carrying  on  a  lively  trade  with  the  interior  of  Africa 
by  means  of  caravans.  Most  of  the  small  towns  of  this 
division  of  Africa  are  subject  to  Tunis,  Algiers  and  Morocco. 

TOZBR,  in  which  the  greatest  date  market  is  held,  belongs  to  Tunis. 
TAFILET,  the  great  place  of  assembling   for  caravans  going  from  Morocco 
to  the  interior  of  Africa,  belongs  to  Morocco. 


II.  SAHARA, 

Or  the  Desert  south  of  Beled  el  Jerid,  its  eastern  part  bearing 
the  name  of  the  Lybian  Desert,  reaches  from  Egypt  and 
Nubia  to  the  Atlantic.  It  is  the  largest  desert  upon  the  globe, 
being  3,000  miles  long  and  1,000  wide,  It  is  composed  of 
sand  mixed  with  gravel,  and  during  the  day  the  sand  is  very 
hot  and  emits  a  burning  heat,  whilst  on  the  contrary  the 
nights  are  cool.  Rain  in  the  desert  is  rare,  especially  in  the 
western  part,  which  is  the  most  sandy,  and  in  this  section  a 
whole  year  often  elapses  without  a  drop  of  rain  having  fallen. 
In  this  large  ocean  of  sand,manyjoases  have  been  found, some 
of  which  only  are  inhabited,  by  Moors,  Arabs  and  Negroes. 
The  products  of  these  are  the  same  as  are  grown  elsewhere 
in  Africa.  The  largest  oasis  is  called  Fezzan,  about  300 
miles  long  and  200  wide,  and  it  contains  Mourzouk,  the 
residence  of  the  Sultan  of  Fezzan,  who  is  a  vassal  to  the 
sovereign  of  Tripoli.  Mourzouk  carries  on  a  considerable 


402  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

trade,  and  caravans  go  from  here  annually  to  Tripoli,  Cairo, 
and  many  places  in  Soudan.  Travelling  through  the  Sahara 
is  accompanied  with  immense  difficulties  and  often  with 
great  danger.  Some  of  these  difficulties  are  the  scarcity  of 
water,  the  poisonous  harmattan,  and  violent  hurricanes 
which  raise  one  mountain  of  sand  after  another.  A  large 
caravan,  consisting  of  2,000  persons  and  1,800  camels,  trav- 
elling from  Timbuctoo  in  Soudan  to  Tafilet,  perished  in  1805, 
on  account  of  scarcity  of  water.  For  many  years  after  this  a 
vast  heap  marked  the  spot  where  this  caravan  perished. 


SOUDAN  OR  NIGRITIA, 

Lies  south  of  the  Sahara,  between  Senegambia  and  Nubia. 
It  is  traversed  by  a  chain  of  hills  ;  in  the  west  by  the  Kong 
mountains ;  in  the  south  by  the  mountains  of  the  moon, 
where  the  Bahl  el  Abiad  or  White  river,  the  western  branch 
of  the  Nile,  is  said  to  take  its  source.  The  Quorra  or  Niger 
river  rises  in  Senegambia,  bends  southward  and  empties  into 
the  gulf  of  Guinea.  The  climate  which  is  excessively  hot, 
is  somewhat  moderated  by  the  constant  equality  of  the  days 
and  nights ;  also  by  the  rains  and  the  periodical  winds.  The 
soil  is  throughout  extremely  fertile  and  large  forests  of  palm 
trees  grow  here ;  also  the  butter  tree.  The  inhabitants  are 
Moors  and  Negroes,  and  as  regards  religion,  Mohammedans 
and  Fetich  worshippers.  They  live  under  regular  govern- 
ments, and  but  few  of  them  are  nomads.  Slaves  are  here,  as 
is  usual  throughout  Africa,  ordinary  articles  of  commerce, 
and  the  slave  market  is  held  like  cattle  markets  elsewhere. 
The  most  important  States  are: 

1.  BAMBARRA,  a  considerable  Negro  State,  in  the  western 
part  of  Soudan,  upon  both  sides  of  the  Niger. 

SEGO,  the  residence  of  the  king,  situated  upon  the  Niger,  is  surround- 
ed by  a  Avail  of  earth  and  contains  30,000  inhabitants  who  carry  on  a  lively 
trade. 

TIMBUCTOO,  10  miles  north  of  the  Niger,  is  an  unwalled 
town  consisting  of  low  mud  houses.  It  is  a  noted  caravan 
station,  and  is  the  point  at  which  most  African  travellers 
have  aimed  to  arrive. 

2.  THE    FELLATA  COUNTRY,    southeast  of  Timbuctoo,  is 
inhabited  by  a  powerful  people,  whose  dominions  are  very 
extensive. 


AFRICA.  403 

SACKATOO  is  the  capital  and  residence  of  the  ruler;  andKAxo,  with  40,000 
inhabitants,  is  the  chief  commercial  place. 

THE  KINGDOM  OF  YARRIBA  lies  south  oi  the  Fellatas.  It 
is  represented  as  a  very  fertile  and  charming  country  ;  the  in- 
habitants are  engaged  in  the  raising  of  cattle  and  agriculture, 
and  are  very  skillful  in  the  weaving  of  various  kinds  of  cloth. 
The  capital  is  Katunga,  and  it,  like  most  cities  of  this  region, 
consists  of  clay  houses,  but  is  tolerably  large  and  populous.  It 
has  seven  markets  and  ten  gates,  and  is  surrounded  by  a 
high  clay  wall  and  a  ditch. 

4.  THE  KINGDOM  or  BORNOU.     The  soil  of  this  kingdom  is 
very  fertile,  and  although  badly  cultivated,  produces  abun- 
dant crops.     The  climate  in  general  is  excessively  hot,  but 
not  uniformly  so ;  from  October  to   December  it  is  greatly 
moderated  by  the  north  and  northeast  winds.     The  principal 
products  of  this  country  are  cotton,  hemp,  indigo,  iron  and 
salt. 

KOUKA,  near  Lake  Tchad,  is  the  capital,  and  has  a  considerable  trade  with 
Fezzan,  Tunis  and  Tripoli. 

5.  DARFUR  or  FUR,  the  most  eastern  part  of  Soudan,  with  a  Mohammedan 
population  of  200,000,  is  ruled  by  a  sultan,  who  is  also  the  greatest  mer- 
chant of  the  country. 

COBBE  was,  but  Tendelty  now  is  the  capital. 


HIGH  AFRICA. 

The  interior  of  Southern  Africa,  which  lies  between 
Guinea,  Soudan,  the  Eastern  Coast  and  Cape  Colony,  is 
designated  by  this  name.  It  is  little  known  to  Europeans 
and  Americans,  and  the  small  knowledge  we  possess  in  ref- 
erence to  it  has  been  obtained  from  recent  exploring  expedi- 
tions which  have  traversed  this  vast  country.  The  inhabi- 
tants are  Negroes,  who  are  composed  of  three  main  races: 

1.  THE  SCHAGGAS,  who  inhabit  the  western  part,  from  Cape 
Negro  to  the  mountains  ot  the  Moon.     They  are  very  brave, 
but  rude  and  barbarous,  and  are  thought  to  be  cannibals.    It 
is  at  least  certain  that  they  kill  their  prisoners  of  war  and 
offer  human  sacrifices. 

2.  THE   GALLAS,  who  occupy  the  eastern  part,  as  far  as 
Abyssinia.     Their  course  of  life  is  nomadic,  and  they  are 
the  wildest  and  most  savage  of  all  the  inhabitants  of  Africa. 
They  are  divided  into  many  tribes,  who  are  independent  of 
each  other. 


404  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

3.  THE  CAFFRES,  who  inhabit  the  southern  and  south- 
eastern parts,  are  a  beautiful  race  of  men,  large,  muscular  and 
well  formed.  They  have  no  resemblance  to  the  Negroes, 
except  in  color,  differing  from  them  in  their  whole  physical 
structure.  They  possess  a  much  superior  grade  of  intellec- 
tual culture  to  that  of  the  two  other  races.  Some  of  them 
are  engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits  and  are  conversant  with 
many  of  the  arts,  and  they  give  adoration  to  a  Supreme 
Being.  They  carry  on  a  bartering  traffic  with  the  Portu- 
guese and  the  inhabitants  of  Cape  Colony. 


THE   ISLANDS. 

IN  THE  INDIAN  OCEAN. 

1.  THE  SEYCHELLE  ISLANDS,  twelve  in  number,  only  three 
of  which  are  inhabited,  belong  to  the  English.  Cotton  is 
their  principal  product. 

MAIIE,  the  largest  of  these,  has  a  European  colony,  and  abounds  in  turtles. 
2.  THK  AMIRANTE  ISLANDS,  also  twelve  in  number,  belong  to  the  Portu- 
guese, and  produce  great  quantities  of  cocoanuts  and  hare  excellent  water. 

3.  THE  FOUR  COMORO  islands,  situated  at  the  entrance  into 
the  Mozambique  channel,  have  a  very  fertile  soil  and  enjoy  a 
healthy  climate.  The  inhabitants,  composed  of  Negroes  and 
Arabs,  are  governed  by  a  Sultan.  These  islands  are  often 
visited  by  pirates  from  the  northern  coast  of  Madagascar. 

HINZUAN  or  JOHANNA,  is  the  most  important.  This  is  a 
usual  stopping  place  for  vessels  sailing  to  the  Indies. 

THE  MASCARENE  ISLANDS  are  of  volcanic  origin,  and  have 
a  mild  climate,  but  are  visited  by  violent  hurricanes.  Their 
principal  products  are  coffee,  sugar,  cotton,  indigo,  tobacco 
and  spices,  which  were  introduced  here  from  the  Molucca 
islands,  some  40  or  50  years  since. 

a.  BOURBON  belongs  to    France.     Coffee  is  the  principal 
product. 

b.  MAURITIUS,  called  formerly  the  Isle  of  France,  belongs 
to  the  English.     Sugar  is  the  chief  product. 

c,  RODRIGUEZ  also  belongs  to  the  English.     Many  turtle  are  caught  here. 

5.  MADAGASCAR,  the  largest  of  the  African  islands  has  an 
area  of  200,000  square  miles,  and  is  separated  from  the  con- 
tinent by  the  channel  of  Mozambique.  A  chain  of  moun- 
tains runs  through  it  from  north  to  south.  Grain,  tropical 


AFRICA.  405 

fruits,  numerous  herds  of  cattle  and  sheep  are  found  here; 
but  no  lions  nor  elephants,  numbers  of  which  roam  upon  the 
continent  of  Africa.  Coffee  and  sugar  are  considerably  cul- 
tivated. The  inhabitants  are  Arabs,  Malays  and  Negroes, 
and  a  variety  of  caste  prevails  even  here,  giving  the  Negro, 
the  lowest  grade.  This  island  is  divided  into  many  indepen- 
dent governments,  and  the  northern  part  is  greatly  infested 
with  pirates.  Christianity,  which  was  principally  introdnced 
by  the  English  missionaries,  has  since  1816,  made  considera- 
ble progress  amongst  the  natives.  The  French  have  some 
settlements  upon  the  coast. 


II.  IN  THE  ATLANTIC  OCEAN. 

1.  ST.  HELENA,  an  elevated  island,   and   very  rocky,  and 
belonging  to  Great  Britain,  is  a  place  of  refreshment  for  ves- 
sels sailing  to  India,  and  an  emporium  of  the  merchandise 
of  all  nations,  but  especially  of  Asiatic  goods.     Here  Napo- 
leon spent  his  last  days  in  exile,  from   1815  to    1821,  where 
he  died,  May  5th. 

2.  ASCENSION,  in  the  possession  of  the  English, since  1816, 
prior  to  which  time  it  was  uninhabited.  Here  turtles  of  enor- 
mous size  are  caught. 

3.  The  GUINEA  ISLANDS,  four  in  number. 

a.  ST.    THOMAS,  the  largest  of  these,    belongs   to   the   Portuguese,  and 
abounds  in  sugar  and  cotton. 

b.  FERNANDO  DEL  Po  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  English,  in  1827,  but  it  is 
now  claimed  by  the  Spaniards,  who  call  it  Puerto  de  Isabel. 

c.  THB  PRINCE'S  ISLAND  and  Annobon  are  Spanish  possessions. 

4.  THE  CAPE  VERD  ISLANDS,  belong  to  the  Portuguese,  and 
are  mountainous,  scarce  of  water,  and  sterile.  The  most  dis- 
tressing famine  is  often  caused  by  the  great  aridity  of  the  cli- 
mate.    The  inhabitants  are  Portuguese,  Mulattoes  and  Ne- 
groes, and  generally  profess  the  Catholic  faith.     The  largest 
island  is  called  St.  Jago,  upon  which  live  many  apes  and 
civet  cats. 

5.  THE  CANARY  ISLANDS,  comprising  12  in  number,  only  7 
of  which  are  inhabited,  belong  to  Spain.     These  have  lofty 
mountains    some  of  which  are   exhausted   volcanoes;  also 
fertile  plains  and  a  mild,  pure  atmosphere.     The  main  pro- 
duct is  wheat,  and  they  are  the  native  home  of  the  Canary 


406  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

bird.     The  number  of  inhabitants  is  estimated  at  260,000, 
who  are  Roman  Catholics. 

a.  TENERIFPE  is  the  largest  of  these  islands,  and  contains 
SANTA  CRUZ,  the  capital  and  seat  government  with  a  fine 
harbor,  which  is  often  visited  by  East  and  West  India  traders. 
The  remarkable  volcano  of  Pico  de  Teyde,  is  situated  upon 
this  island  near  its  centre,  and  has  an  altitude  of  12,000  feet 

b.  FERRO,  where  the  first  meridian  was  established  by  the  ancient  geog- 
raphers, and  which  the  Germans  yet  retain. 

c.  GRAND  CANARY,  where  much  sugar  is  made. 

d.  PALMA,  celebrated  for  its  wines. 

6.  THE  ISLANDS  OF  MADEIRA  and  PORTO  SANTO,  belong  to 
the  Portuguese.  Madeira  has  a  very  delightful  climate  and 
a  fertile  soil.  Great  quantities  of  wine  are  made  here,  and  it 
is  a  resort  for  invalids. 

FUNCHAL  is  the  capital,  with  20,000  inhabitants,  who  carry  on  a  consider- 
able trade.  Vessels  sailing  to  South  America  and  Cape  Colony  stop  here  for 
provisions. 


OCEANICA 


This  fifth  division  of  the  globe  which  has  become  gradu- 
ally known  since  its  circumnavigation  by  Magellan  in  1520, 
consists  of  the  large  island  or  continent  of  New  Holland  or 
Australia,  and  many  groups  of  islands  in  the  Pacific  ocean 
or  the  South  Sea,f  on  which  account  some  of  these  groups 
have  been  called  the  South  Sea  Islands.  The  climate  is 
almost  everywhere  mild,  and  many  of  these  islands  enjoy  a 
constant  spring;  upon  the  Australian  portion,  the  heat  is 
oppressive,  but  the  islands  lying  south  of  this  have  rather 
cold  weather.  Entirely  new  species  of  animals  have  been 
found  in  this  portion  of  the  globe,  the  most  remarkable  of 
which  are  the  kangaroo  and  the  duck  bill  animal.  Nature 
seems  here  to  have  grudgingly  distributed  her  gifts  in  the 
mineral  and  animal  kingdoms,  but  to  have  lavished  her  boun- 
ties in  profusion  in  the  vegetable ;  and  in  this  the  bread  tree 
appears  the  most  important.  The  inhabitants,  whose  number 
is  estimated  at  irom  four  to  five  millions,  are  of  Malay 
descent  in  the  east,  and  of  Negro  in  the  west :  both  of  these, 
however,  have  become  variously  intermingled.  The  custom 
of  tatooing  their  bodies  is  almost  universal.  Upon  ihe  arri- 
val of  the  Europeans,  all  more  or  less  lived  in  a  state  of 
savage  barbarity;  some  like  wild  beasts,  others,  however, 
were  not  entirely  destitute  of  a  kind  of  culture  *and  of  the 
finer  feelings  of  humanity.  Their  religion  in  the  main  is 
fetichism,  but  human  sacrifices  and  cannibalism  are  prevalent; 
within  the  last  60  years,  however,  idolatry  has  yielded  in  a 
great  degree  to  the  advancement  of  civilization  and  Christi- 
anity, both  of  which  are  yet  destined  to  triumph  over  the 
rudest  heathenism,  and  the  most  debased  idolatry.  The 
number  of  Europeans  in  this  division  of  the  globe,  although 
comparatively  small,  is  rapidly  increasing. 

*0ceanica,  embracing  Malaysia,  Australasia  and  Polynesia,  includes  also 
those  islands  •which  we  have  described  as  belonging  to  the  East  Indies. 
fTho  South  Sea  is  that  part  of  the  Pacific,  south  of  tke  Equator. 


408  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

THE  NEGRO  COUNTRIES, 
Lie  south  of  the  equator. 

1.  AUSTRALIA  OR  NEW  HOLLAND. 

This  large  island  or  continent  is  washed  on  the  northwest 
and  south  by  the  Indian  ocean,  and  on  the  east  by  the  Pa- 
cific, and  it  includes  an  area  of  3,000,  000  square  miles. 

The  part  lying  upon  the  western  coast  is  mostly  desert, 
and  the  northern  coast  is  hemmed  in  by  dangerous  coral 
reefs ;  nature  has  best  provided  for  the  eastern  and  southern 
parts,  especially  with  safe  harbors. 

Surface. — At  a  distance  of  from  50  to  100  miles  from  the 
eastern  coast  rise  the  Blue  mountains,  whose  highest  peaks 
reach  an  altitude  of  from  6,000  to  7,000  feet.  Beyond 
these  extensive  plains,  immense  morasses  and  forests  are 
found. 

Rivers. — The  Darling  and  the  Murray  are  the  two  largest 
rivers  of  those  yet  known.  The  latter  has  a  length  of  1,000 
miles  and  flows  into  the  Indian  ocean. 

Climate. — In  the  hitherto  explored  regions,  the  climate  is 
mild  and  healthy.  The  heat  of  summer  is  very  great;  but 
it  is  considerably  moderated  by  the  cooling  sea  breezes. 
Storms  and  hurricanes  are  often  violent,  and  even  earthquakes 
have  been  felt 

Products. — The  products  are  various,  consisting  of  palm 
and  gum  trees,  acacias,  wild  flax,  tobacco,  indigo  and  wild 
berries ;  also  the  Kangaroo,  the  duck  bill  animal,  the  dingo, 
black  swans,  white  water  hens  and  numerous  species  of  ani- 
mals in  general,  remarkable  for  their  form  and  color. 

Inhabitants. — The  inhabitants,  the  number  of  whom  is 
about  1,100,000,  are  composed  of  natives  and  Europeans. 
The  natives  live  destitute  of  clothing,  and  without  fixed  habi- 
tations in  caves  and  huts  formed  from  the  bark  of  trees.  They 
entertain  quite  a  feeble  conception  of  the  existence  of  a  Su- 
preme Being,  but  believe  in  the  existence  of  the  soul  after 
death  ;  some  of  them  are  sorcerers. 

The  English  have  taken  possession  of  the  eastern  coast, 
and  have  given  to  it  the  name  of  New  South  Wales. 

SIDNEY,  situated  on  the  Bay  of  Port  Jackson,  is  the  capi- 
tal, seat  of  government,  and  one  of  the  centres  of  Australian 
trade,  with  120,000  inhabitants. 


OCEANICA.  409 

MELBOURNE,  in  the  district  of  Victoria,  has  become,  since 
the  gold  discoveries  have  given  it  importance,  the  chief 
commercial  capital  of  all  Australia.  Population  100,000. 

PABAMATTA,  situated  on  Port  Jackson  Bay,  has  an  educational  institute 
for  the  children  of  the  natives. 

ADELAIDE,  is  a  considerable  place,  with  30,000  inhabitants. 

The  English  have  also  founded  colonies  upon  the  other  coasts,  amongst 
•which  that  upon  Swan  river  is  the  most  important.  PERTH  is  the  chief 
town  in  this  section. 

2.  VAN  DIEMEN'S  LAND,  OR  TASMANIA, 

Is  separated  from  the  southeastern  point  of  Australia  by 
Bass  Strait,  which  is  100  miles  wide.  The  English  have 
likewise  established  a  flourishing  colony  upon  this  island. 
It  is  about  the  size  of  South  Carolina,  and  its  soil  is  well 
adapted  to  the  raising  of  cattle,  and  agricultural  products. 
HOBART  TOWN  is  the  capital. 

3.  NORFOLK. 

The  first  convict  colony,  established  here  by  the  English,  was  entirely 
abandoned  in  1811,  and  the  colonists  removed  to  Van  Diemen's  Land,  but  it 
has  been  again  re-established. 

4.  PAPUA  OR  NEW  GUINEA, 

Next  to  Australia  is  the  largest  island  of  all  Australasia,  and 
one  of  the  most  unknown  countries  upon  the  globe.  The 
Europeans  have  little  intercourse  with  this  island,  but  the 
Chinese  barter  with  the  inhabitants,  especially  for  the  bird  of 
Paradise,  the  feathers  of  which  are  prepared  for  female 
ornaments. 

Of  the  many  contiguous  islands,  New  Irleand  and  New  Britain  are  the 
most  important. 

5.  SOLOMON  ISLANDS. 

The  inhabitants  of  these  islands  are  yet  very  rude,  but  are 
superior  in  cultivation  to  the  inhabitants  of  New  Holland, 
and  they  build  a  celebrated  kind  of  boat,  called  a  Pirogue, 
and  have  a  species  of  government  under  a  despotic  king. 

C.    QUEEN  CHARLOTTE  OR  SANTA  CRUZ  ISLANDS. 

The  inhabitants  of  these  islands  resemble  the  Malays  and  are  also  governed 
by  a  king. 

7.  NEW  HEBRIDES. 

The  inhabitants  of  these  islands  differ  from  those  of  the  aformentioncd, 
in  being  intelligent  and  kindly  disposed,  and  they  receive  navigators  and 
others  visiting  them  with  great  hospitality. 

S 


GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

8.  NEW  CALEDONIA, 

Is  a  large  and  lengthy  island,  southwest  of  the  former.  The 
inhabitants  are  distinguished  from  most  of  the  people  of 
these  islands,  by  their  eating  a  certain  stone  called  the  fat 
stone,  and  also  spiders.  The  French  established  a  colony 
here  in  1852. 


II.  JHE  MALAY  ISLANDS. 
&  North  of  the  equator. 

1.  THE  MARIANNE  OR  LADRONE  ISLANDS. 
These  islands  were  discovered  by  Magellan  in  1521,  who 
first  navigated  the  Pacific,  and  they  were  subsequently  occu- 
pied by  the  ^Spaniards.     They  have  a  very  healthy  climate, 
and  a  soil  of  great  fertility. 

2.  THE  CAROLINE  ISLANDS' 

These  are  inhabited  by  a  wild  race,  who  live  upon  the 
fruit  of  the  bread  tree,  cocoanuts  and  fish,  and  are  engaged 
in  the  construction  of  boats,  arms  and  other  instruments. 

3.  THE  PELEW  ISLANDS. 

These  yield  yegetable  products  in  abundance,  but  contain  no  quadrupeds. 
The  inhabitants  manifested  such  friendship  towards  some  Europeans,  who 
were  shipwrecked  here,  and  displayed  such  a  taste  for  European  manners, 
that  even  the  king  caused  his  own  son  to  accompany  them  to  England. 

4.  THE  MULGRAVE  ISLANDS, 

The  inhabitants  of  these  islands  have  also  shown  a 
marked  friendship  and  politeness  towards  the  Europeans ; 
they  live  in  great  destitution,  but  are  contented  and  cheerful. 

5.  THE  SANDWICH  ISLANDS. 

Christianity  and  European  civilization  have  made  such 
rapid  strides  amongst  the  inhabitants  of  these  islands,  that 
they  can  no  longer  be  considered  wild  and  barbarous. 
Churches  and  schools  are  established  upon  nearly  all  of 
these,  and  the  arts  of  civilized  life  which  were  entirely  un- 
known to  the  natives,  are  becoming  more  and  more  univer- 
sal. The  inhabitants  now  build  large  ships,  with  which  they 
trade  to  America  and  China,  and  many  of  these  islanders 
are  now  engaged  as  sailors  in  European  and  American  ves- 


OCZANICA  411 

sels.  The  people  of  the  United  States  and  the  English  carry 
on  a  regular  trade  with  the  inhabitants  of  these  islands ;  and 
some  Europeans  are  even  occupied  in  the  service  of  the  king. 
The  most  important  of  these  islands  are  called  : 

HAWAII  or  OWHYHEE,  the  largest,  with  an  area  of  4,600 
square  miles.  This  island  is  mountainous,  and  contains  the 
celebrated  volcano  of  Kilauea,  the  crater  of  which  is  the 
largest  in  the  world. 

OAHIT,  contains  Honolulu  the  capital  and  seaport  of  the  Sandwich  Islands, 
Here  Captain  Cook  was  killed,  1779. 

b.  South  of  the  equator. 

1.  NEW  ZEALAND, 

Consists  of  two  large  islands  separated  by  Cook's  Strait 
The  northern  is  an  Alpine  country,  containing  smiling  lakes, 
stupendous  cataracts,  densely  wooded  mountains  and  delight- 
ful valleys ;  the  southern  is  wild  and  rocky,  and  is  encom- 
passed on  all  sides  with  steep  cliffs.  An  important  product 
grows  here,  called  the  New  Zealand  flax,  out  of  which  the 
natives  manufacture  a  thick,  strong  and  very  soft  garment. 
The  New  Zealanders  were  formerly  very  ferocious,  but  since 
the  establishment  of  British  supremacy  they  are  becoming 
more  civilized. 
AUCKLAND  is  the  capital  of  New  Zealand. 

2.  THE  FEJEE  ISLANDS. 

The  inhabitants  of  these  are  described  by  some  as  cannibals,  by  others  as 
tery  peaceable  and  hospitable  in  their  deportment  towards  Europeans. 

3.  THE  TONGA  OR  FRIENDLY  ISLANDS. 

These  have  a  mild  climate  and  an  abundance  of  products, 
especially  of  the  vegetable  kingdom,  and  the  natives  manifest 
a  very  iriendly  feeling  towards  strangers. 

On  Tongatabu,  the  largest  of  these  islands,  English  missions  have  been 
established  since  1820. 

4.  THE   NAVIGATORS'  ISLES.: 

The  inhabitants  of  these  are  kind,  good  natured  and  intel- 
ligent, desirous  of  pleasing,  and  very  hospitable.  They  use 
a  kind  of  canoe  which  is  small  and  easily  upset,  but  this 
does  not  prevents  their  sailing  from  one  island  to  another; 
and  when  this  occurs  they  swim  along  side  of  their  boat  and 
drain  it  of  water  before  they  re-enter,  and  all  this  they  do  with 


412  GEOGRAPHICAL  HAND  BOOK. 

such  dexterity  as  if  the  water  was  their  element.     These 
islands  have  therefore  been  called  the  Navigators'  islands. 

5.  THE  SOCIETY   ISLES. 

A  European  state  of  society  seems  to  have  been  formed  in 
these,  similar  to  that  in  the  Sandwich  islands,  Christianity 
having  met  with  less  opposition  here  than  in  most  of  the 
Oceanic  islands.  The  natives  showed  themselves  mild  and 
amiable  towards  the  first  Europeans  who  visited  them,  and 
they  seemed  to  live  in  great  harmony  with  each  other;  and 
this  mildness  of  the  inhabitants  gave  name  to  the  islands. 
Otaheite  or  Tahiti  is  the  principal  island,  and  here  the  king 
has  his  residence.  Papiete  is  the  capital. 

6.  THE  LOW  ISLANDS. 

Many  of  these  islands  are  merely  coral  reefs,  which  render  navigation 
dangerous,  and  therefore  the  one  group  is  called  the  Islands  of  Danger.  The 
unsocial  character  of  the  inhabitants  has  been  an  impediment  to  Europeans 
in  forming  an  acquaintance  with  these  islands, 

7.  THE  MARQUESAS  OR  MEND  ANA  ISLANDS. 

The  natives  of  these  are  distinguished  for  their  great  personal  beauty, 
amongst  all  the  South  Sea  islanders  ;  but  in  a  mental  point  of  view,  they  occu- 
py a  low  grade.  These  were  once  very  ferocious  and  even  feasted  upon  their 
slaughtered  enemies.  The  art  of  tatooing  is  here  carried  to  the  greatest 
extreme. 


INDEX. 


Aberdeen  110,  274 

Allentown  74 

Aragon,  Kingdom  of  243 

Abington  62 

Almaden  240 

Aragon,  Province  of  243 

Abo  295 

Almeria  242 

Arabia  365 

Abomey  397 

Alsace  250 

Arabia  Deserta  366 

Albuquerque  173 

Alsen  278 

"      Felix  366 

Aboukir  391 

Altenburg  346 

"       Petrrea  366 

Abyssinia  392 

Altena35l 

Aranjuez  240 

Acapulco  180 

Alton  144 

Arbela  or 

Acre  364 

Altona  281 

Arbil  365 

Adams  52 

Altorf  333 

Archangel  293 

Aden  307 

Amain  327' 

Arequipa  210 

Adelaide  409 

Ambelakia312 

Argentine  Confederation 

Adowa  393 

Amboyna  380 

216 

Adrian  149 

America  23 

Arica  211 

Adrianople  310 

Amiens  249 

Arkansas  120 

Afghanistan  369 

Amirante  islands  404 

Arkansas  Post  122 

Africa  388 

Amoy  383 

Aries  2.M 

Africa  propria  394 

Amsterdam  260 

Arlon  258 

Aggerhuus  284 

Anam  378 

Armagh  276 

Agincourt  249 

Anatolia  363 

Arona  321 

Agram  306 

Ancona  325 

Arracan  378 

Agrigentum  328 

Andalusia  241 

Arras  249 

Aguas  Calientes  179 

Andaman  isles  379 

Arta311 

Aix  254,  320 

Andorra  253 

Artois  249 

Aix  la  Chapelle  352 

Andros  316 

Ascension  405 

Ajaccio  254 

Anglesea  272 

Ashantee  397 

Ajan400 

Angers  251 

Asheville  92 

Akjerman  298 

Angola  398 

Ashton  under  Lin*  270 

Alabama  104 

Angora  363 

Asia  357 

Aland  Islands  295 

Angouleme  252 

Asia  Minor  363 

Albania  311 

Angoumais  252 

Asiatic  Russia  359 

Albany  62 

Anjou  251 

"       Turkey  362 

Alby  253 

Anhalt  3  duchies  356 

Asmanshausen  348 

Aleppo  363 

Anhalt  Bernberg  356 

Aspinwall  202 

Alemtejo  236 

Anhalt  Dessau  356 

Assam  377 

Aleutian  islands  29,  361 

Anhalt  Cothen  356 

Assisi  325 

Alessandria  320 

Annaberg  345 

Assumption  221 

Alexandria  87,  391 

Ann  Arbor  148 

Assyria  365 

Algarve  236 

Annapolis  79 

Astoria  170 

Algeria  394 

Annobon  405 

Astrachan  298 

Algezira  364 

Antigua  193 

Asturias  240 

Algiers  394 

Antiparos  316 

Atchinson  172 

Alicante  243 

Antwerp  256 

Athens  315 

Alkmaar  260 

Aquino  327 

Atlanta  100 

Allahabad  375 

Aquileja  340 

Atlantic  City  68 

I 


414 


INDEX. 


Attleborongh  52  Auraria  175                       Austerlitz  341 

Auburn  65  Aurergne  252                    Auxerre  250 

Auckland  411  Austin  117                       .  Ava  377 

Auch  253  Australia  408                    Avignon  254 

Augusta  40,  100  Austria,  Empire  of  301     Avignon  &Venaissin  254 

Augsburg  342  Austria,  Arch  Duchy  of  Awatska  361 

Augustenborg  397  338                              Axum  393 
Aunis  and  Saintonge  252  Austrian  Silesia  341         Azore  islands  236 

B 

Babylon  365  Beled  el  Jerid  401 

Babylonia  365  Belem  225   235 

Badajoz  241  Belfast  41,  276 

Baden,  Grand  Duchy  of  Belgium  254 


343 

Baden  332,  339,  344 
Bagdad  365 
Bahama  isles  189 
Bahia  325 
Bahrein  islands  367 
Baku  362 

Balearic  islands  244 
Balize  187 
Ballinasloe  276 
Baltimore  78 
Bambarra  402 
Bamberg  342 
Banca  380 
Banda  isles  380 
Bangor  41 
Banjaluka311 
Bankok  378 
Barbadoes]94 
Barbary  States  393 
Barca  393 
Barcelona  243 
Bari  327 
Barnstable  52 
Basel  332 

Basque  Provinces  244 
Basse  Terre  193, 195 
Bassorah  365 
Batavia  228,  380 
Batesville  123 
Bath  41 
Baton  Rouge  114 


Belgian  Luxemburg  258 
Belgrade  312 
Belluno  323 
Beloit  152 
Beloochistan  370 
Benares  375 
Bender  298 
Bender  Abassi  369 
Benevento,  Duchy  of  326 
Bengal — Presidency  374 
Benguela  898 
Benin  397 
Benin,  Coast  of  397 
Bennington  47 
Bcrbice  226 
Bergamo  322 
Bergen  285,  349 
Bergen  op  Zoom  262 
Berlin  349 
Bermudas  196 
Berne  333 
Bernberg  356 
Berry  251 
Besancon  250 
Bethlehem  364 
Beverly  52 
Bialystock  297 
Biddeford  41 
Bielefeld  351 
Bilboa  244 
Biloxi  110 
Binghampton  65 
Birkenfeld  355 


Bautzen  345 
Bavaria,  Kingdom  of  341  Birmah  377 

Bay  Islands  186  Blackbird  174 

Bayreuth  342  Blackstone  52 

Bayonne  253  Blankenberg  355 

Beaufort  92,  96  Blois  251 

Beira  235  Bloomington  144 

Beirout364  Bochnia  303 


Bogota  201 

Bohemia,  Kingdom  of  340 

Bois  du  Due  262 

Bokhara  371 

Bokhara  ("Little;  384 

Bolivia  211 

Bologna  326 

Bolton  270 

Bombay  Presidency  376 

Bombay  376 

Bona  394 

Bonn  852 

Boonsville  173 

Bootan  373 

Bordeaux  252 

Bordentown  68 

Borisov  297 

Borneo  380 

Bornholm  278 

Bornou,  Kingdom  of  403 

Borromean  isles  318 

Bosna  Serai  310 

Bosnia  310 

Boston  49, 268 

Botzen  340 

Bourbon  404 

Bourbon  1'  Archambault 

251 

Bourbonnais  251 
Bouillon  258 
Boulogne  249 
Boulonnais  249 
Bourges  251 
Bourgogne  250 
Bowling  Green  127 
Braga  236 
Braganza  236 
Braila  312 

Brandenburg  348,  349 
Brattleborough  47 
Brazil,  Empire  of  221 
Breda  262 

Bremen,  Free  city  of  355 
Brescia  322, 


INDEX. 


415 


Brcslau  350 
Brest  252 
Bridgetown  194 
Bridgeport  56 
Brieg  350 
Brighton  268 
Brindisi  327 
British  America  29 
'•        CaffrsMfia  399 
Kingdom  203 


Brody  303 
Broek  260 
Bromberg  3C1 
Brood  306 
Brookline  52 
Brooklyn  62 
Brownsville  118 
Brundusium  327 
Bruges  257 
Brunu  341 

Italian  islands  229  Brunnen  333 
u        Guiana  227  Brunswick,  Duchy  of  355 

Bristol  54,  269  Brunswick  101 

Brittany  251  Brusa  363 

c 

Capri  (isle;  328 
Capua  327 
Caraccas  203 
Carcassonne  253 
Cardenas  191 
Carinthia  339 
Carlisle  74,  271 
Carlow  276 
Carlowitz  306 
Carlsbad  341 
Carlsruhe  343 
Carlstad  290 
Carniola  339 
Carmen  219 
Carrara  324 
Carthagena  201,  242 
Casale  321 
Cashmere  374 
Cassel  347 

Castile,  Kingdom  of  239 
Castine  41 
Castries  194 
Catalonia  243 
Catania  328 
Catanzaro  327 
CatorcelSl 
Cattaro  307 
Caucasian  Russia  361 
Caxamarca  211 
Caxatambo  211 
Cayenne  228      • 
Celebes  380 
Celle  354 

Central  America  184 
Cephalonia  329 
Cerigo  330 
Certaldo  324 
Ceuta  895 


Cabes  394 
Cabul  369 
Cabulistan  369 
Cacheo  396 
Cadiz  242 
Caen  248 
Cagliari  321 
Cairo  390 
Calais  41,  249 
Calcutta  875 
Caldera  216 
Calicut  376 
California  161 
California,  Lower  183 
Callao  211 
Calmar  289 
Cambodia  378 
Cam  bray  249 
Cambridge  50,  80,  268 
Camden  68,  96 
Campo  Formio  323 
Canada  31 

East  32 

West  33 

Canary  Islands  405 
Canandaigua  C5 
Canea  312 
Candahar  370 
Candia  312 
Canosa  324 
Canterbury  267 
Canton  383 
Cape  Breton  35 
Cape  Coast  Castle  397 
Cape  Colony  398 
Cape  May  68 
Cape  Town  399 
Cape  Verd  Islands  405 


Brussels  256 
Buckeberg  355 
Buda  305 
Buenos  Ayres  218 
Buffalo  63 
Bukowina  301 
Bukarest  312 
Bulgaria  310 
Burgos  240 
Burlington  46,  156 
Burslem  270 
Bury  270 
Byzantium  309 


Ceylon  379J 
Chaldea  365 
Chalus  252 

Chalons  sur  Marne  250 
'*          "     Saone  250 
Chambery  320 
Champagne  249 
Chandernagore  377 
Charlotte  Amalie  195 
Charlotte  92 
Charlottetown  36 
Charleston  96 
Charlestown  50 
Chatham  268 
Chattanooga  130 
Chelsea  52,  267 
Cheltenham  269 
Chemnitz  345 
Cheraw  97 
Cherbourg  248 
Cheronea  315 
Cherson  298 
Chester  73,  270 
Chiapa  179 
Chicago  143 
Chicopee  52 
Chihuahua  179 
Chili  213 
Chillicothe  136 
China  Proper  381 
Chinese  Empire  381 
Chioggia  323 
Chiusi  324 
Chios  363 
Christiania  284 
Christiansand  285 
Christianstadt  195 
Chris  tianaburg  U5 


416 


INDEX. 


Christiansborg  397 

Columbia  95,  131 

Cothen  356 

Church,  States  of  325 

Columbus  100,  110,  135 

Courtray  257 

Cincinnati  134 

Columbia,  District  of  80 

Covington  126 

Cintra  235 

Comayagua  186 

Cracow  302 

Civitia  Veciiia  325 

Comino  329 

Cremona  322 

Clausenburg  305 

Comorn  305 

Crecy  249 

Clausthal  354 

Comoro  Islands  404 

Crepy  248 

Clermont  252 

Concepcion  216 

Crete  312 

Cleveland  134 

Concord  43 

Croatia  306 

Clonmel  277 

Congo  398 

Cronstadt  295 

Clusium  324 

Connecticut  54 

Cuba  189 

Cobbe  403 

Connaught  276 

Cucarro  321 

Cobija  213 

Constance  344 

Cuenca  207 

Coburg  346 

Constantia  399 

Cuidad  Real  179 

Coblentz  352 

Constantino  394 

Culiacan  181 

Cochabamba  iJ!3 

Constantinople  309 

Cumberland  80 

Cochin  China  378 

Coquimbo  216 

Cuneo  320 

Colima  179 

Cordofan  3(32 

Curaba  226 

Cognac  252 

Cordova  219,  242 

Curozoa  or  Gurassou  195 

Cogutepec  186 

Corea  386 

Curitiba  226 

Coimbra  235 

Corinth  315 

Curland  297 

Colberg  349 

Corfu  329 

Curuguaty  221 

Colchester  268 

Cork  277 

Cutch  876 

Colmar  250 

Corunna  241 

Cuxhafen  358 

Cologne  351 

Corsica  254 

Cuzco  210 

Colombo  379 

Corvallis  170 

Cyprus  363 

Colonia  220 

Cosenza  328 

Czernowitz  303 

Colorado  Territory  175 

Costa  Rica  187 

D 

Dacca  375 

Denver  City  175 

Dover  44,  76,  267 

Dacotah  Territory  175 

Deptford  268 

Downpatrick  276 

Dago  (island)  296 

Derby  270 

Drenthe  262 

Dahomey,  Kingdom  of  397Desima  387 

Dresden  344 

Dahlonega  101 

Des  Moines  155 

Dreux  248 

Dalmatia  306 

Dessau  356 

Drogheda  276 

Damascus  363 

Detmold  355 

Drontheim  285 

Damietta  391 

Detroit  148 

Dschehol  384 

Danger  Isles 

Deventer  262 

Dublin  276 

Dantzic  300 

Diamantino  226 

Dubuque  155 

Danvers  52 

Diarbekir  364 

Dumfries  273 

Darfur  403 

Dieppe  248 

Dunbar  273 

Darien  101  " 

Dijon  250 

Dundee  274 

Darmstadt  347 

Diu  376 

Dumfermline  274 

Dauphiny  253 

Dominica   192 

Dunkirk  249 

Davenport  155 

Dominica  (isle)  193 

Dunse  273 

Dayton  136 

Donaldson  ville  114 

Durango  180 

Debreczin  305 

Dongola  Territory  892 

D'  Urban  399 

Dedham  52 

Doniphan  172 

Durazzo  311 

Delaware  75 

Dorchester  52 

Durham  271 

Delft  261 

Dorgali  321 

Dusseldorf  351 

Delhi  375 

Dorpat  296 

Dutch  Guiana  227 

Delphi  315 

Dort  261 

Dyrrachium  311 

Denmark  277 

Douay  249 

INDEX. 

41f 

E 

East  Flanders  257 

Elmina  397 

Espinosade  los  Monteros 

"    Gothland  289 

Elmira  65 

240 

"    Indies  371 

Elsinore  280 

Essek  306 

li    Prussia  300 

Elvas  236 

Esslingen  343 

Eastern  States  37 

Elwood  172 

Ethiopia  392 

Easton  73,  80 

Emden  354 

Esthnia  296 

Edam  260 

Emmetsburg  80 

Estremadura  235,  241 

Edinburgh  273 

England  266 

Eton  267 

Eger  341 

Entre  Douro  e  Kinho  235Eubcea  316 

Egina  316 

Ephesus  363 

Eugene  City  170 

Egripo  316 

Epidaurus  31(> 

Europe  230 

Egypt  389 

Equador  204 

European  Turkey  307 

Eisenach  346 

Erfurt  351 

Eutin  354 

Eisleb.en  351 

Erie  73 

Evansville  140 

Ekaterinburg  360 

Eriran  362 

Evora  236 

Elba  (isle;  325 

Erkngen  342 

Exeter  44,  269 

Elbing  300 

Erlau305v 

Eylau  300 

Elberfeld  352 

Erzeroum  364 

Elizabeth  City  68,  93 

Escurial  de  Abajo  240 

F 

Falaise  248 

Fleurus  257 

Fraustadt  301 

Falkland  isles  229 

Florence  107,  324 

Frantero  182 

Falster  C78 

Florida  101 

Fredensburg  228 

Falun  289 

Flores  380 

Freetown  396 

Faro  236 

Flushing  262 

Frederica280 

Taroe  isles  282 

Foggia  327 

French  Flanders  249 

Farther  India  377 

Foix  253 

"         Guiana  228 

Fayetteville  92 

Fond  du  Lac  152 

Fredensborg  397 

Fellata  country  402 

Fontainbleau  248 

Frederick  80 

Fejee  Islands  411 

Fromentera  244 

Frederickton  34 

Femern  278 

Foo  Choo  383 

Frederickhald  284 

Fernando  del  Po  405 

Fort  des  Moines  155 

Frederickstad  284 

Ferney  250 

Fort  Francois  397 

Fredericksvarn  285 

Ferrara  326 

"     Madison  156 

Freiburg  333,  344,  345 

Ferro  406 

"     Smith  123 

Friaul  339 

Ferrol  241 

"     Wayne  140 

Friedland  300 

Fez  395 

Formosa  384 

Friendly  Islands  411 

Fezzan  401 

Fox  islands  29,  361 

Friesland  262 

Filibe  311 

France  244 

Fuegan  Islands  229 

Fillmore  173 

Franche  Comte  250 

Froome  269 

Finland  295 

Frankfort  126 

Fulton  123 

Finmark  285 

Frankfort  on  the  Maine  Punch  al  406 

Fitchburg  52 

348 

Fur  403 

Fiume  306 

Frankfort  on  the    Oder 

Fleusburg  281 

349 

G 

Gabes  394 

Galata  310 

Gallipoli  310 

Gaeta  327 

Galena  144 

Galveston  117 

Gal  at  7,  "13 

Galesburg  145 

Galway  276 

<;'i]'.p!igQsif4ands320 

Galicia  301 

Gagcony  353 

418 


INDEX. 


Gefle  290 

Gorlitz  350' 

Greenwich  267 

Gelderu  261 

Goslar  354  • 

Greiz  345 

Geneva  65,  333  } 

Gosport  87 

Grenada  194 

Genoa  174,  321 

Gotlia  346 

Griffin  101 

Georgia  97 

Gottenberg  289 

Grey  town  187 

Georgetown  81,  227 

Gothland  289 

Grodno  297 

Gera  345 

C-ottingen  354 

Gross  Glogau  3oO 

Germany  334 

Goyaz  226 

Groningen  262 

Ghent  257 

Gozzo  329 

ftuadalaxara  180,  240 

Gibraltar  242 

Gradiskc  306 

Guauaxuato  180 

G  lessen  347 

Grain  Coast  397 

Guatemala  185* 

Girgenti  328 

Granada  187,  242 

Guayaquil  207 

Giurgewo313 

Grand  Canary  406 

Guamanga  210 

Gizeh  390 

"      Rapids  148 

Guaymas  182 

Glasgow  274 

Gratz  339 

Guernsey  (isle)  272 

Glatz  350 

Graudenz  301 

Guerrero  180 

Gloucester  52,  269 

Great  Antilles  189 

Guiana  226 

Goa  376 

Great  Falls  44 

Guinea  islands  405 

Golconda   376 

Greece  313 

Ctustavia  196 

Gold  Coast  397 

Greenland  28 

Guyt.nne  252 

Gomron  369 

Grenoble  253 

Guzera:  376 

Gondar  393 

Greenock  274 

Gwalior  875 

Goree  396 

Greenville  97 

H 

Hadschar  366 

Haverhill  52 

Hispaniola  191 

Hagerstown  80 

Havre  or  Havre  de  GraceHither  India  371 

Hague  261 

248 

Hobart  Town  409 

Hainault  257 

Hawaii  411 

Hoboken  68 

Hainan  384 

Hayti  191 

Hochheim  348 

Hakodadi  387 

Hechingen  344 

Hochkirch  345 

Halberstadt  351 

Hedschas  366 

Hochstadt  342 

Haleb  363 

Heidelberg  343 

Hohenlinden  341 

Halifax  35,  92,  271 

Heilbronn  343 

Hohenzollern,  Principali- 

flalle 350 

Hebrides  (isles)  275 

ties  of  344 

Hallein  339 

Helena  123 

"       Hechingen,    344 

Ham  249 

Helsingborg  290 

"       Sigmaringen  344 

Hamburg  97 

Helsingfors  295 

Holland  260 

Hamburg  Free  City  353 

Herat  369 

Holly  Springs  110 

Hamilton  83,  136,  196 

Herculaneum  327 

Holstein,  Duchy  of  281 

Hangtchow  384 

Hereford  269 

Holyoke  52 

Hannibal  160 

Hermanstadt  306 

Homburg  (Vor  der  hohe} 

Hanover,  Kingdom  of  353Hermitie  229 

348 

Hanover  44,  354 

Herstall  256 

Honduras  186 

Hapsburg,  332 

Hernhut  345 

Honolulu  411. 

Harbor  Grace  36 

Hesse  Cassel  346 

Houston  118 

Harburg  354 

Hesse,   Grand  Duchy 

of  Huasco  216 

Harpers  Ferry  88 

347 

Hudson's    Bay    Territory 

Harrisburg  72,  118 

Hesse  Homburg  348 

29 

Harlem  261 

High  Africa  403 

Hue  378 

Harrodsburg  127 

Hildesheim  354 

Huehan  378 

Hartford  56 

Hindostan  371 

Hull  271 

Harwich  268 

Hinzuan  404 

Hungary  Proper  304 

Havana  190 

Hirschberg  350 

Hungarian  States  303 

INDEX. 


419 


Huntingdon  268 
Huntsville  107 


Hyderabad  376 
Hydra  316 


Hydrabad  37G 


Ibrahil  312 

Iceland  281 

Idria  339 

Iglau  341 

Illinois  141 

Illyria,  Kingdom  of  339 

Independent  Tartary  370 

India  371 

Indian  Territory  175 

Indiana  137 

Indianapolis  139 

Ingolstadt  312 


Ingria  295 
Innspruck  340 
Inverness  275 
Ionian  islands  329 
Iowa  153 
Iowa  City  156 
Ipswich  268 
Irak-Arabi  365 
Iran  369 
Ireland  275 
Irkutsk  360 
Isckia(isle)  328 


Iserlohn  351 

Isle  of  France  247 

Islands  of  Danger  412 

Ismail  298 

Ispahan  369 

Istria  339 

Italy  316 

Itapua  211 

Ithica  65,  329 

Ivica  244 

Ivory  Coast  397 


Jackson  109,  131,  149 
Jacksonville  144 
Jagerndorf  341 
Jalisco  180 
Jamaica  192 
Janes  ville  152 
Janima  311 

Japan,  Empire  of  386 
Jarnac  252 
Jaroslav  294 
Jassy  313 


Java  380 
Jeddo  387 
Jefferson  City  160 
Jeffersonville  140 
Jemappes  257 
Jena  346 
Jersey  City  68 
Jersey  (isle)  272 
Jerusalem  364 
Jesso  387 


K 


Jew's  town  228 
Jidda  367 
Joachimsthal  341 
Johanna  404 
Joliet  1 44 
Jonkoping  289 
Juan  Fernandez  islands 

229 

Julich-Cleve-Berg  351 
Jutland  278 


Kalish  297 

Key  West  104 

Kola  293 

Kalamazoo  148 

Kerasunt  363 

Kolyvan  360 

Kalmar  289 

Khatmandoo  373 

Kolin  840 

Kaluga  294 

Khiva  371 

Kongensteen  397 

Kamtschatka  361 

Kiachta  361 

Kongsberg  285 

Kano  403 

Kidderminster  269 

Konigsburg  300 

Kansas  170 

Kiel  281 

Konigstein  345 

Kaprena  315 

Kiev  294 

Kouka  403 

Kasan  298 

Kilkenny  276 

Koron  316 

Kasbin  369 

Killarney  277 

Krefeld  352 

Kaskaskia  145 

Kilmarnock  273 

Kremnitz  305 

Kastri  315 

King-te-Ching  384 

Kronstadt  306 

Katunga  403 

King-ki-Tao  386 

Kunncrsdorf  349 

Kelat  370 

Kingston  33,  64,  193 

Kurdistan  365 

Kendal  271 

Kingstown  194 

Kurile  islands  361 

Kenilworth  269 

Kio  387 

Kusnacht  333 

Kenosha  152 

Kirk  wall  275 

Kustrin  349 

Kensington  267 

Kiusiu  387 

Kutaieh  363 

Keokuk  156 

Klagenfurt  339 

Kentucky  123 

Knoxrille  131 

420 


INDEX. 


Laaland  278 
Labrador  30 
Laccadives  379 
Ladrone  islands  410 
Lafayette  140 
Lagos  236 
La  Guayra  204 
Lahore  374 
La  Marche  252 
Lancaster  73 
Landau  342 
Landskrona  290 
Languedoc  253 
Lansing  148 
Laos  378 
La  Paz  183 
La  Paz  de  Ayacucho 
Lapland  290 
Laporte  140 
La  Rochelle  252 
Larrissa  311 
Lassa  385 
Lauenburg  281 
Laurvig  285 
Lausanne  333 
La  Valetta329 
Laval  251 
Lawrence  51,  171 
Laybach  339 
Lecce  327 
Lecompton  172 
Leeds  271 
Leeuwarden  262 
Leghorn  324 
Leicester  270 
Leipsic  345 
Leitmeritz  340 
Lemberg  302 
Lemnos  312 
Le  Mans  251 
Le  Margiot  195 


Leon  186,  241 
Lepanto  315 
Leuthen  350 

•      Lew-Chew  islands  386 
Lewis  (isle)  275 
Lewiston  41 
Lexington  126,  161 
Leyden  261 
Libau  297 
Liberia  397 
Lichtenfels  29 
Lichtenstein  344 
Liege  256 
Liegnitz  350 
Lier  256 
Lille  249 
213  Lima  209 

Limburg  256,  262 
Limoges  252 
Limousin  252 
Lincoln  268 
Linlithgow  273 
Linz  339 

Lipari  islands  329 
Lippe-Detmold,  Principal 

ity  of  355 
Lisbon  235 
Lissa  301 
Lithuania  297 
Little  Antilles  193 

«      Bokhara  384 

"      Rock  122 

"      Thibet  385 
Livadia  315 
Liverpool  270 
Livonia  296 
Loango  398 
Lodi  322 

Loffoden  isles  285 
Lockport  65 
Loga  207 


Logansport  140 

L'Orient  252 

Lombardy  322 

London  83,  267 

Londonderry  276 

Long  Braueh  68 

Lorca  242 

Loretta  326 

Lorraine  250 

Los  Angelos  165 

Louisiana  110 

Louisville  125 

Louvain  257 

Lowell  50 

Low  islands  412 

Lower  Egypt  390 
"      Guinea  398 
"      Hungary  304 
"      Rhine  351 

Lubec,  Free  City  353 

Lubec,  Principality  of  354 

Lublin  297 

Lucca  324 

Lucerne  333 

•Ludwigsburg  343 

Ludwigslust  353 

Lund  290 

Luneburg  354 

Luneville  250 

Lusignan  252 

Lutter    Cam   Barenberg) 
356 

Lutterworth  270 

Lutzen  351 

Luxemburg  262 

Luzon  381 

Lynchburg  88 

Lynn  51 

Lyonnais  252 

Lyons  252 


Macao  384 
Maccasar  380 
Macclesfield  270 
Macedonia  311 
M-iCon  100,  250 
Machias  42 
M.-ida.^ascnr  404 
Madison  14<>,  152 
Madras,  Presidency  of  3i 
Madras  375 
Madrid  239 


M 

Maestricht  262 
Maffra  235 
Magdeburg  350 
Magdenburg  228 
Magindanao  381 
Mahe  404 
Mahon  244 

Mali  rat  t  a  country  374 
5Maidstone  268 
Maimatchin  384 
Mnino  88 


Maine  and  Perch c  251 
Majorca  243,  244 
Malacca  379 
Malacca  peninsula  378 
Malaga  242 
Malay  islands  410 
Maiden  52 
Maldives  379 
Maldouado  220 
Malimba  898 
Mai  mo  290 


INDEX. 


421 


Maltese  islands  329 
Man  (isle  )  272 
Manchester  44, 270 
Mannheim  343 
Manilla  381 
Mantauban  253 
Mantchooria  384 
Manti  173 
Mantua  322 
Maracaybo  204 
Maranham  225 
Marblehead  52 
Marburg  347 
Marengo  320 
Margarita  isle  204 
Marianne  islands  410 
Mariazell  339 
Marienburg301 
Marienwerder  301 
Marietta  137 
Marino  326 
Maryborough  52 
Markebrunn  348 
Marshall  118 
Masatierra  229 
Marquesas  islands  412 
Marseilles  253 
Martha's  Vineyard  48 
Martinsburg  88 
Martinique  195 
Marysville  165 
Maysville  126 
Maryland  77 
Matsmai  387 
Mascarene  islands  404 
Massachusetts  47 
Massuah  393 
Masulipatem  376 
Matamoras  182 
Matto  Grosso  226 
Mauritania  395 
Mauritius  404 
Mecca  367 
Mechlin  256 


Mecklenb'g  Schwerin,  352Mogadore  395 
"  Strelitz,  352      Mohilev  297 


Medellin  202 
Medina  366 
Melbourne  409 
Melinde  401 
Meiningen  346 
Meissen  345 
Memel  300 
Memphisl30 
Mendane  isles  412 
Mentz  347 
Mequinez  395 
Merida  204 
Merseburg  351 
Merthyr  Tydvil  272 
Mesopotamia  364 
Messina  328 
Metz  250 
Mexico  176,  178 
Miako  387 
Michigan  145 
Michigan  city  140 
Michoacan  180 
Middle  States  57 
Middlebury  47 
Middleburg  262 
Mietau  297 
Milan  322 
Milledgeville  100 
Milford  52 

Military  Frontier  306 
Milwaukee  151 
Milo  316 
Minden  351 
Minneapolis  I(i8 
Minnesota  165 
Minorca  244 
Mississippi  107 
Missolonghi  315 
Missouri  157 
Mistra816 
Modena  323,  324 
Mobile  100 


Mecklenburg,  Duchies  of  Mocha  376 
352  Modon  316 


Nagpoor  376 
Nakskop  280 
Nainur  258 
Nancy  250 
Nangasaki  387 
NanHin  383 


N 

Nantes  252 
Nantucket  48 
Naples,  Kingdom  of  326 
Naples  Continental  326 
Naples  326 
or 


Mojaisk  294 
Moldavia  313 
Malimba  398 
Moluccas  380 
Mombaz  400 
Mondovi  320 
Mongolia  384 
Monreale  328 
Monroe  149 
Monrovia  397 
Mons  258 
Montbeliard  251 
Montenotte  321 
Monterey  181 
Montevideo  220 
Montgomery  107 
Montpellier  46, 253 
Montreal  32 
Montrose  274 
Montserrat  243 
Moravia,   Margraviate  of 

341 

Morea  315 
Morelia  181 

Morocco,  Empire  of  395 
Morocco  395 
Moscow  294 
Mosquito  territory  187 
Mostar  311 
Mosul  364 
Moulins  251 
Mountain  City  175 
Mourzouk  401 
Mozambique  400 
Mulgrave  islands  410 
Munich  341 
Munster  277,  351 
Munkacs  305 
Murfreesborough  131 
Murshedabad  375 
Muscat  367 
Muscatine  156 
Mysore  376 
Mytilene  363 


Napoli  di  Romania  816 
Napoli  di  Malvasia  816 
Narva  296 
Nashua  44 
Nashville  44,  183 
180 


422 


INDEX. 


Nassau,  Duchy  of  347 

New  Caledonia  410 

Nicobar  islands  379 

Natal  399 

<•     Granada  199 

Nicopoli  310 

Natchez  109 

«*     Guatemala  185 

Niederselters  348 

Natchitoches  114 

"    Hampshire  42 

Nigritia  402 

Natick  52 

"     Haven  56 

Nijnii  Novgorod  294 

Natolia  363 

"    Holland  408 

Nimes  253 

Naumburg  351 

"     Hebrides  409 

Nimuegen  261 

Navarre  and  Beam  253 

"     Ireland  409 

Ningpo  383 

Navarre,  Kingdom  of  24 

4  "     Jersey  66 

Niphon  387 

Navigators  Isles  411 

"     London  56 

Nitheroy  226 

Naxia  316 

4    Mexico  172 

Nivernais  251 

Naxos  316 

'     Navarino  316 

Norfolk  87 

Nazareth  364 

«     Orleans  113 

Norfolk  island  409 

Nebraska  city  174 

'     Providence  187 

Norland  285,  290 

Nebraska  territory  174 

'     Siberia  361 

Norkopping  L89 

Nedshed  366 

'     South  Shetland  229 

Norman  islands  272 

Negropont  316 

<     Strelitz  352 

Normandy  248 

Nepaul  373 

'     Wales  30 

North  America  26 

Nertschinsk  361 

'     North  Wales  30 

4<     Brabant  2  62 

Netherlands  258 

<     South  Wales  30 

"     Bridgewater  52 

Nevada  territory  173 

«     York  58,  61 

"     Carolina  89 

Nevada  165 

Newark  67,  76 

Northampton  52,  270 

Neufchatel  333 

Newbern  92 

Norway  282 

Newstadt  339 

Newburg  64 

Norwich  47,  56,  268 

Nevers  251 

Newburyport  51 

Nottingham  270 

New  Albany  140 

Newcastle  76,  271 

Nova  Scotia  35 

Amsterdam  227 

Newfoundland  36 

Novgorod  294 

Archangel  29 

Newport  54,  126 

Nubia  391 

Bedford  01 

Newmarket  268 

Nuevo  Leon  y  Coahuila  181 

Brandenburg  352 

Newry  276 

Numidia  394 

Britain  409 

Newton  52 

Nuremberg  342 

Brunswick  34,  68 

Nicaragua  186 

Nystad  295 

"     Castile  239 

Nice  321 

0 

Oahu  411 

Oldenburg,  Duchy  of  354 

Ormus  369 

Oaxaca  181 

Oldham  270 

Oruro  213 

Ocana  240 

Olmutz  341 

Osnaburg  354 

Oceanica  407 

Olympia  174 

Ostend  257 

Odessa.  298 

Omaha  City  174 

Osterode  354 

Oed^nburg  305 

Oman  366 

Oswego  64 

Oesel  (hie;  296 

Oporto  235 

Ottawa  33 

Ofen  305 

Oran  394 

Ottensen  281 

Offenbach  -847 

Orange  228 

Ottoe  City  174 

Ogden  173 

Orange  river,jFree  State 

Oudenarde  257 

Ogdensburg  65 

399 

Ougein  374 

Ohio  131 

Orel  294 

Ouro  Preto  226 

Okhotsk  361 
Old  Castile  240 

Orensburg  298 
Oregon  168 

Overyssel  261 
Oviedo  240 

Old  Strelitz  352 

Oregon  City  170 

Owhyhee  411 

Oldenburg  354 

Orleanais  251 

Oxford  92,  268 

Oldenburg,  Grand  Duch 

y  Orleans  251 

of  354 

Orkney  islands  275 

INDEX. 


423 


Padang  380 
Paderborn  351 
Padua  322 
Paducah  127 
Paisley  274 
Palatinate  342 
Palembang  380 
Palenque  179 
Palermo  328 
Palestine  363 
Palmyra  367 
Palos  241 
Palma  244,  406 
Pampeluna  244 
Panama  202 
Para  225 
Paramaribo  228 
Paramatta  409 
Paros  316 
Paraguay  220 
Palos  241 
Parma  323 
Parana  219 

Paradise  of  India  374 
Parawan  173 
Paris  247 
Pascagoula  110 
Pass  Christian  110 
Passau  342 
Patna  375 
Patagonia  228 
Patras  31 5 
Paterson  68 
Pavia  322 
Pawtucket  54 
Paxo  329 
Payta  211 
Pegu  378 
Pekin  383 
Pelow  islands  410 
Pelaponnessus  315 
Pembina  175 
Pembroke  272 
Pennsylvania  C9 
Pensacola  103 
Peoria  144 
Pepper  Coast  397 
Pera  310 


Quadra  isle  30 
Quebec  32 


Peru  207 
Perpignan  253 
Perugia  325 
Persia  367 
Persia  proper  369 
Pernambuco  225 
Perth  274 
Persepolis  369 
Pesth  305 
Petersburg  86 
Peterwardein  306 
Peterborough  270 
Pfeffers  333 
Philadelphia  71 
Philippi  311 
Philppine  islands  380 
Philippople  310 
Philisburg  195 
Phoenicia  363 
Phuxuan  378 
Piacenza  323 
Picardy  249 
Pico  237 


Pontecorvo,    Principality 

of  326 

Popayan  201 
Portage  City  153 
Port  au  Prince  192 
Port  of  Spain  194 
Porto  Santo  406 
Port  Royal  195 
Porto  Rico  193 
Portici  327 
Porto  Ferajo  325 
Portland  41,  169 
Porto  235 
Portsmouth  44,   87,  136, 

268 

Posega  306 
Posen  301 
Potosi  213 
Potshitatz  311 
Potsdam  349 
Pottsville  73 
Poughkeepsie  65 
Praga  297 


Piedmont,  Principality  of  Prague  340 

320  Prairie  du  Chien  152 

Pillau  300  Presburg  304 

Pilnitz  345 
Pinerola  320 
Pirna  345 
Pisa  324 
Pischaur  369 
Pithyusian   islands  244 
Pittsburg  72 
Pittsfield  52 
Placentia  86 
Plasencia  241 
Plauen  345 
Plock  297 
Plymouth  52,  269 
Poictiers  252 
Poitou  252 
Poltava  294 

Poland,  Kingdom  of  296   Pulo  Pinang  379 
Polish  Russia  296  Puerto  de  la  Mar  213 

Pomerania  349  Pultusk  297 

Pomona  275  Punjaub  374 

Pondicherry  377  Pyrmont  355 

Fonta  Delgado  286 

Q 

Queretaro  181  Quincy  52,  144 

Queen  Charlotte  409         Quito  206 


Preston  270 

Prince  Edward's  island  36 

Prince  of  Wales  or  Pulo 

Pinang  379 
Princeton  68 
Prindsensteen  397 
Prince's  island  405 
Pristina  312 
Proveuce  253 
Providence  53 
Provo  173 

Prussia,  Kingdom  of  299 
Ptolemais  364 
Puebla  181 
Puerto  Cabello  204 
Puerto  Principe  191 


424 


INDEX. 


Ilacine  152                         Keuss  of  the  Elder  Lin 

e  Rossbach  351 

Ragusa  307                                345 

Rouen  248 

Rangoon  378                       Reutlingen  343 

Roumelia  309 

Raleigh  91                          Reval  296 

Rousillon  253 

Randolph  52                       Rheims  250 

Roseau  194 

Rastadt  344                         Rhenish  province  351 

Rosetta  391 

Ratisbon  342                      Rhode  Island  52 

Rostock  353 

Ravenna  326                      Rhodes  363 

Rotterdam  261 

Rawicz  301                          Richmond  86,  140 

Roveredo  340 

Reading  73,  267                Riga  296 

Roxbury  51 

Regensburg  342                  Rimini  326 

Rudesheim  348 

Reggio  324,  327                Riobamba  207 

Rudolstadt  346 

Reichenberg  340                Rio  Janeiro  224 

Rugen  (isle;  349 

Reichenhall  342                  Rochdale  270 

Russia  proper  293 

Reikiavik  28-S                    Rochester  63 

Russian  Empire  291 

Remgcheid  352                   Rockland  41 

Russian  America  29 

Rendsburg  281                    Rockford  145 

Rustschuk  310 

Rennes  251                         Rock  Island  145 

Rutland  46 

Resht  369                           Rodriguez  404 

Rutzebuttel  353 

Reuss,Principalities  of345Roeraas  285 

Ryswick  261 

"     of  the  younger  LineRoeskilde  280 

345                             Rome  65,  101,  325 

S 

Saardam  260                     St.  Kitts  193 

Samsoe  278 

Saco41                                  '*  Louis  159,  396 

San  Antonio  117 

Sackatoo  403                           Lucia  194 

'l    Francisco  164 

Sacramento  164                       Malo  252 

"    Ildefonso  240 

Sahara  401                               Martin  195 

"   Jose  165,  187 

St.  Andrews  34,  274                Mary's  101 

«   Juan  219 

"  Anthony  167                       Menehould  250 

"      "      de   Porto   Rico 

"  Augustine  104                   Omer  249 

193 

4  Bartholomew  195              Paul  167 

San  Luis  Potosi  181 

1  Christopher  193                 Paul  de  Loanda  398 

"    Juan  Bautista  182 

1  Cloud  248                             Petersburg  295 

«  Marino  (Republic;326 

1  Croix  195                             Quentin  249 

"    Miguel  186,  236 

1  Davids  272                        Salvador  189 

"    Miguel  de  Tucuman 

«  Denis  248                           Thomas  195,  405 

219 

"  Domingo  192                      Ubes  235 

San  Salvador  186,398 

"  Etienne  252                       Vincent  194 

'»    Sebastian  244 

"  Felippe  de  Benguela  Sala  289 

Sana  367 

398                             Salamis  316 

Santa  Cruz  103,  406 

11  Gall  333                      Salamanca  180,  241 

<l     FeJ72 

"  Georgetown  194           Salem  51,  170 

"     Ci-uz  islands  409 

"  Helena  405                  Salency  248 

"     Maura  329 

"  Jago  405                      Salerno  327 

"     Martha  202 

"  Jago  de  Gompostella  Salisbury  92 

Santiago  215 

.  241                               Salonica  311 

Santiago    de    Colagayta 

"  James  (isle)  396        Salt  Lake  City  173 

213 

"  Jean  d'Acre  364          Salta  219 

Santiago  de  Cuba  191 

"  John  84,  195                 Salzburg  330 

Sandusky  136 

«»  Johns  36,  193              Samaroft'id  371 

Sandwich  islands  410 

«  Joseph  100                 Sfl:W05  363 

^antander  340 

INDEX. 


425 


Santorin  312  Seville  241 

Sao  Paul  226  Sevres  248 

"    Salvador  225  Seychelle  islands  404 

Saragossa  243  Shanghai  383 

Sardinia,  Kingdom  of  320  Shetland  Islands  275 


Sardinia  island  321 
Sarepta  298 
Sark  (ia\e)  272 
Sassari  321 
Savanilla  202 
Savannah  99 
Savona  321 
Savoy  320 
Saxe-Altenburg  346 
Coburg-Gotha  346 


Sheffield  271 
Shields  271 
Shiraz  369 
Shumla  310 
Siam  378 
Siberia  359 
Siberia  proper  360 
The  two  Sicilies  326 
Sicily,  Island  of  328 
Sidney  408 


41     Meiningen-Hildburg-Siena  325 

hausen  346  Sierra  Leone  Coast  396 

"  Weimar,  Grand  duchySigmaringen  344 

of  346  Sikhs  country  374 

Saxon  Switzerland  344     Sikoke  387 
"      Duchies  346  Silesia  350 

Saxony,  kingdom  of  344  Silistria  310 

"          province  of  350  Sinaloa  181,  182 
Scarborough  194  Sincapore  379 

Schatfhausen  332  Sinde  376 

Schaumburg-Lippe,  prin-  Sinde  country  376 


cipality  of  355 
Schenectady  65 
Schemnitz  305 
Schmalkalden  347 
Schwarzburg-Sonders- 

hausen  345 
"  Rudolstadt  345 
Schwerin  352 
Scilly  isles  272 
Scotland  272 
Scranton  74 
Scutari  363 
Seattle  174 
Sebastopol  298 
Sedan  250 
Sego  402 
Segovia  240 
Seilan  379 
Sellers  348 
Semlin  306 
Semendria  312 
Senegambia  395 
Sennaar  392 
Sennaar,    Dominions 

392 

Seres  311 
Serinagur  374 
Servia  312 
Setubal  235 


Sinope  363 
Skio  363 
Skutari  311 
Skye  (isle;  275 
Skyro  316 
Slave  Coast  397 


South  Carolina  93 
*'      Danvers  52 
Southern  States  76 
Spalatro  307 
Spandau  349 
Spain  237 
Spanishtown  103 
Spezzia  316,  321 
Spires  342 
Spice  islands  380 
Springfield  51,  136,  144 
Staffa  275 
Stalimene  312 
Stamboul  309 
Stargard  349 
Staten  Island  229 
States  of  the  Church  325 
Staunton  87 
Stavenger  285 
Steilacoom  174 
Sterile  Coast  398 
Steubenville  136 
Stettin  349 
Steyer  339 
Stirling  274 
Stockholm  288 
Stockport  270 
Stockton  165 
Stralsund  349 
Strasburg  250 
Stratford  ("on  the  AvonJ 
269 


Slavonia,  Kingdom  of  306  Styria,  Duchy  of  339 


Sleswick  281 
Sligo  276 
Small  Russia  294 
Smolensk  294 
Smyrna  76,  363 
Society  islands  412 
Socorro  173,  202 
Socotra  (isle;  401 
Soissons  248 
Solingen  352 
Solomon  islands  407 
Somerville  52 
Sondershausen  345 
Sooloo  islands  380 
Soongaria  385 
Sophia  310 
of  Soroe  280 
Soudan  402 
Southampton  269 


Stuttgart  iJ43 

Sucre  212 

Suez  390 

Sumatra  379 

Sunda  islands  379 

Sunda  islands  (small.)  380 

Sumbava  380     . 

Sunderland  271 

Surat  376 

Swansea  272 

Sweden  286 

Sweden  proper  288 

Swedish  Russia  295 

Swinemunde  349 

Switzerland  330 

Sydney  35 

Syra  316 

Syracuse  64,  328 

Syria  363 


South  African  States  399  Szelicze  305 
South  America  197  Szegedin  305 

"     Brabant  256 


426 


INDEX. 


Tabriz  369 

Texel  260 

Transvaal  Republic  400 

Tacunga  207 

Theaki  329 

Transylvania  305 

Tadmor  367 

Thebes  315 

Trapani  329 

Tafilet  401 

Theresienstadt  305 

Travnik  311 

Taganrog  298 

Thessalonica  311 

Traz  os  Montes  236 

Tah-le-quah  175 

Thessaly  311 

Trebigno  311 

Talavera  de  la  Reyna  240  Thibet  385 

Trebizond  363 

Tallahasse  104 

Thiva  315 

Trent  340 

Tampico  182 

Thomaston  42 

Trenton  67 

Tamaulipas  182 

Thorn  301 

Treves  352                     > 

Tangier  395 

Tiflis  362 

Treviso  323 

Taormina  3S8 

Tilsit  300 

Trikala  311 

Taranto  327 

Timbuctoo  402 

Trieste  339 

Tarragona  243 

Timor  380 

Trinidad  194 

Tarsus  363 

Tischulumbu  385 

Trinkonomale  379 

Tartaric  Russia  298 

Tixtla  180 

Tripoli  393 

Tashkent  371 

Tlascala  182 

Tripolizza  315 

Tassisudon  373 

Tobago  194 

Troppau  341 

Taso  or  Thasos  312 

Tobolsk  360 

Troy  63 

Taurls  369 
Tatta  376 

Tokay  305 
Toledo  136,  240 

Troyes  249 
Truxillo  186,  211 

Taunton  51,  269 

Tolentino  326 

Tscherkask  298 

Tavira  236 

Toluca  180 

Tuam  276 

Tecumseh  172 

Tome  173 

Tubingen  343 

Teentsin  384 

Tomsk  360 

Tula  294 

Tehama  174 

Tongay  216 

Tunis  394 

Teheran  369 

Tonquin  378 

Turin  320 

Tejuco  226 

Tousburg  285 

Turfan  384,  385 

Tendelty  403 

Topeka  172 

Turkestan  370,  371 

Temesvar  305 

Toplitz  341 

Turkish  Armenia  364 

Tenedos  363 

Torgau  350 

"       Russia  297 

Teneriffe  406 

Toronto  33 

Turkey  307 

Tennessee  12? 

Toulon  254 

Tuscaloosa  107 

Terceira  23? 

Toulouse  253 

Tuscany,    Grand  Duchy 

Termini  328 

Touraine  251 

of  324 

Terre  Haute  140 

Tournay  257 

Tuscumbia  107 

Terre  del  Fuego  229 

Tours  251 

Twer  294 

Teschen  341 

Tozer  401 

Tyrol,  Earldom  of  340 

Texas  114 

u 

Udine  323 

Upper  Egypt  390 

Ures  182 

Ukraine  294 

"     Guinea  396 

Uruguay  219 

Ulm  343 

41     Hungary  305 

Usedom  349 

Ulster  27G 

Upsala  289 

Utah  Territory  173 

Umerapoora  378 

Uralsk  298 

Utica  64 

United  States  37 

Urbino  326 

Utrecht  261 

Upernavik  29 

V 

Valencia  204,  243 

Valles  181 

Van  Diemen's  Land  409 

Valencai  251 

Valparaiso  216 

Varinas  204 

Valenciennes  249 

Van  Buren  122 

Varna  310 

Yalladolid  180,  182,  341 

Vancouver  (isle)  30 

Velletri  325 

INDEX. 


42T 


Venetia322 
Vendome  251 
Venezuela  202 
Venice  322 
VeraCruz  182 
Vercelli  320 
Verden  354 
Verdun  250 
Vergennes  47 


Vermejo  217 
Vermont  44 
Verona  323 
Versailles  248 
Verviers  256 
Vezelay  250 
Vicenza  323 
VicksburgllO 
Victoria  182 

w 


Wahlstatt  350  Wast  Indies  188 

Wakefield271  "    Prussia  300 

Wales  271  "     Roxbury  52 

Waldeck,  Principality  of     "    Westfield  52 

355  Westphalia  351 

Wallachia  312  Western  islands  275 

Waltham  52  "       States  119 

Warasdin  306  Wesel  351 

Warrington  270  Westphalia,  Province 

Warsaw  297  351 

Washington  Territory  174Weston  161 
Washington  City  80         Wetumpka  107 
Waterford  277 
Waterbury  56 
Waterloo  257 
Watertown  153 
Waterville  42 
Wearmouth  271 


Weimar  346 
West  Chester  73 
"     Flanders  257 
14    Gothland  289 


Wheeling  87 
Whitehaven  271 
Wiborg  295 
Widdin  310 
Wieliczka  303 
Wiesbaden  348 
Wigan  270 
Wight  (islej  272 
Wilhelmstadt  195 
Wilhelmsburg  228 


Vienna  338 
Vienne  253 
Villa  Bella  226 
Villa  Rica  221,  226 
Vincennes  140 
Virginia  82 
Vistula  232 
Vittoria  244 


Wilkesbarre  73 
Williamsburg  88 
Wilmington  75,  92 
Wilna  297 
Winchester  88,  268 
Windsor  46,  267 
Wirtemberg,  Kingdom  of 

342 

of  Wismar  353 
Wittemberg  350 
Wisconsin  149 
Witebsk  297 
Woburn  52 
Wolfenbuttel  855 
Wollin  349 
Wolverhampton  270 
Worcester  61,  269 
Woolsthorpe  268 
Woolwich  268 
Woonsocket  54 
Worms  347 
Wurzburg  342 


Xeres  de  la  Frontera  242 


Yakutsk  361  Yemen  366 

Yancton  175  Yeniseisk  360 

Yariba,  Kingdom  of  403  York  74,  271 
Yarkand  385  Yorktown  88 

Yarmouth  268 


Yuthia  378 
Ypern  257 
Ypsilanti  149 
Yucatan  J82 


Zaardam  260 
Zacatecas  183 
Zamosk  297 
Zanesville  136 
Zanguebar  400 
Zante  329 


Zara  306,  367 
Zealand  fisle;  278 
Zealand  Province  262 
Zeitun  315 
Zellerfeld  354 


Zeyst  261 
Zolu  Country  399 
Zurich  332 
Zwool  261 
Zwornik  311 


EKKATA. 


On  page  11,  second  line,  skould  read  winter  instead  of  summer. 

On  page  73,  the  population  of  Pittaburg  with  ths  suburbs  of  Allegheny 
City,  &c.,  should  be  115,000. 

On  page  157,  the  population  of  Missouri  should  be  1,182,000. 

On  pagt  235.  line  15th  of  the  description  of  Lisbon,  should  read  Cape  of 
Good  Hope  instead  of  Cape  Horn. 

On  page  239,  last  line,  Bhonld  read  squares  instead  of  the  word  palaces. 


14  DAY  USE 

RETURN  TO  DESK  FROM  WHICH  BORROWED 

LOAN  DEPT. 

This  book  is  due  on  the  last  date  stamped  below,  or 

on  the  date  to  which  renewed. 
Renewed  books  are  subject  to  immediate  recall. 


,     p.^ 

i"  r 

nnr  i  r  ^ 

^Si^o^B60               iwSggSL- 

YC134096 


